KAMPALA.
Muslim women have been urged to properly utilize SACCO funds to enhance their economic empowerment and ensure the sustainability of the initiative. The call was made by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, during the opening of the National Muslim Women Council meeting. The meeting brought together all ten Muslim Regional Representatives to the UMSC General Assembly and was held in the boardroom at the UMSC headquarters.
Hadji Muluubya reminded the leaders to intensify mobilization efforts among Muslim women in their respective regions, emphasizing that the funds provided to establish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) are revolving in nature and must be managed responsibly.
He stressed that beneficiaries must adhere to established regulations, particularly ensuring that all loans taken are repaid to sustain the SACCOs.
He further encouraged the women to take advantage of the Halal Farmers’ Centres established in various Muslim districts, where they can access quality agricultural and livestock inputs.
In his concluding remarks, Hadji Muluubya assured participants that UMSC would follow up on President Yoweri Museveni’s recent pledge of an additional UGX 20 billion towards Muslim women SACCOs. He also called upon the women to support the proposed Qadhi Courts Bill, which is expected to be tabled before Parliament to facilitate the administration of Muslim personal law in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support towards initiatives aimed at empowering Muslim women.
On her part, Hajjat Sophie Safina Kenyangi, the National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council, presented a detailed annual report highlighting both progress and challenges in the implementation of SACCO activities.
“This project was conceived as a strategic initiative meant to foster economic empowerment of Muslim women through the establishment of Sharia-compliant Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs),” she remarked.
She outlined key activities undertaken, including nationwide sensitization campaigns for mindset change, training of trainers (ToTs), and the development of a Digital Ecosystem Management System aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing the Presidential grant of UGX 2 billion currently in circulation among SACCOs.
She concluded by inviting participants to identify gaps and contribute ideas to inform future work plans.
Meanwhile, council members participated in capacity-building sessions facilitated by various experts, including Mr. Ssonko Muhammad, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies at Islamic Call University; Mr. Ssonko Fahadi, who trained members on the newly launched Digital Ecosystem Management System; and Mr. Agaba Moses, an events management specialist.
The meeting was officially closed in the evening by Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, on behalf of his superior. In his brief remarks, he urged members to disseminate the knowledge and ideas acquired to their respective constituencies.