Muslim leaders concerned over development and income stagnation

Muslim leaders have expressed concern over the lag in development within their community, resulting in stagnation of household income and an inability to support Islamic activities.

They noted that this has impacted Muslims' ability to fulfill religious obligations such as almsgiving (Zakah) and performing the Muslim pilgrimage (Haj).

These remarks were made during the launch of a social and economic transformation project at Old Kampala Mosque. The project, estimated at Shs 700 million, will be implemented across ten Muslim regions nationwide.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Lubega Kisambira, the national chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), represented the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, at the event.

The project launch coincided with a one-day seminar held at the main library of Insan International University at the UMSC headquarters. The seminar aimed to sensitize members of the national task force, which includes UMSC National Executives, Management Committee, Regional Assistants to the Mufti, and Regional Secretaries.

Prof. Lubega explained that these economic transformation projects are part of the UMSC's ten-year strategic developmental plan aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim community. According to the plan, each of the ten Muslim regions will receive Shs 60 million.

The projects are expected to begin implementation on August 9, 2024, starting at the regional level and then extending to Muslim districts, counties, village mosques, and eventually households. Prof. Lubega implored Muslims to demonstrate commitment, zeal, and passion to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The projects will be implemented on 110 acres of documented UMSC land. The yield distribution will be as follows: 40% to the UMSC headquarters, 20% retained at the regions, and 40% shared between the counties and mosques.

"We have presented this plan to His Excellency President Museveni, and he pledged to offer more funds, especially when he sees that we have commenced implementation," Dr. Lubega said.

He provided simple calculations showing that one acre of cocoa plantation, which takes three years to mature, yields Shs 21 million, potentially generating Shs 21 billion from 1,000 acres.

He urged Muslim faithful to rally behind the UMSC for self-sustaining economic growth.

Earlier, members engaged in lively interactive sessions with facilitators, including Mr. Chemutai Job Alunga, a research scientist and plant breeder, who presented on coffee production, and Mr. Kawuzi Emma Waiswa, Senior Agricultural Officer, who discussed cocoa growing.

Dr. Ismail Gainamungu chaired a session where members expressed views on the selection of cash crops and the timeline for project implementation.

After careful consideration, participants from their respective regions resolved to implement the following projects:

Kampala: Bricket making, poultry keeping

East Buganda: Coffee growing

West Buganda: Coffee growing

Busoga: Cocoa production

Ankole-Kigezi: Coffee growing

Bunyoro-Toro: Coffee growing and cocoa production

Eastern Region: Coffee growing

West Nile: Cocoa production

Northern and North Eastern Regions: Sheep and goat rearing

Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, highlighted the urgent need for socio-economic transformation in the communities.