The 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, has called for improved coordination in the implementation of the Presidential Hajj sponsorship programme, warning that shortcomings in the process risk denying deserving beneficiaries the opportunity to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Sheikh Bukenya made the remarks while representing the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, at a thanksgiving ceremony held for Hajjat Twawusi Kyabangi Sadati following her return from Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia that took place at her family home in Buyizzi Village, Nyenga, Buikwe Muslim District.
Addressing guests, Sheikh Bukenya expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling his commitment to sponsor more than 100 Muslims annually to undertake Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
“We thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for honoring his pledge to support Muslims in fulfilling this important religious obligation. This sponsorship programme has enabled many faithful who would otherwise be unable to afford the pilgrimage to travel to the Holy Land,” Sheikh Bukenya said.
However, he raised concerns about the management of this year's programme, saying the process was not implemented as originally planned.
“This is the second year of the State House Hajj offers. Unfortunately, it was largely mismanaged deliberately by some State House staff for reasons unknown to us,” he said.
According to Sheikh Bukenya, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) had initially been allocated 65 Hajj slots to distribute fairly among the country's ten Muslim regions.
However, the arrangement failed to materialize, resulting in only 17 beneficiaries reportedly receiving complete sponsorship packages that enabled them to perform the pilgrimage.
“Poor coordination not only affects the intended beneficiaries but also risks undermining the good intentions of the President and the credibility of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. It also causes disappointment among Muslims who are selected with the hope of undertaking Hajj,” he noted.
He urged relevant authorities to engage UMSC leadership and streamline the programme to ensure transparency, efficiency, and equitable distribution of future sponsorship opportunities.
Beyond the Hajj programme, Sheikh Bukenya highlighted several development initiatives being undertaken by UMSC, including the establishment of Halal Farmers Centres across various Muslim districts in partnership with Matugga Industries and the Logistical Hub.
He explained that the initiative aims to boost agricultural and livestock production, improve household incomes, and strengthen economic empowerment among Muslim communities.
“I encourage all Muslims to embrace and support these initiatives because they are intended to improve livelihoods and create sustainable sources of income for our communities,” he said.
The Deputy Mufti also emphasized the importance of education, urging Muslim parents to prioritize both secular and religious studies for their children.
“We need to invest in the education of our children if we are to raise responsible citizens who can contribute positively to national development and serve their communities effectively,” he added.
Religious and community leaders who attended the ceremony stressed the importance of unity, family values, and mutual respect within society.
The leaders also commended the significance of Hajj, describing it as a transformative spiritual journey that strengthens faith and personal discipline while promoting unity among Muslims worldwide.
They described Hajj as a life-changing spiritual milestone and encouraged fellow Muslims to prepare for the pilgrimage whenever the opportunity arises.
Hajjat Kyabangi expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Museveni for sponsoring her pilgrimage.
“I am deeply grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity to fulfill one of the most important obligations in Islam. It has been a life-changing experience that I will cherish forever,” she said.