KAMPALA.Concerns have been raised over the implementation of the Presidential Hajj sponsorship programme, with calls for improved coordination to ensure intended beneficiaries fully access the annual pilgrimage support.
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammadj Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, made the appeal while officiating as Chief Guest on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, at a thanksgiving ceremony for Hajjat Twawusi Kyabangi Sadati upon her return from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The event was held at her family home in Buyizzi village, Nyenga, Buikwe Muslim District on Sunday June 14th 2026.
Sheikh Bukenya first expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to sponsor more than one hundred Muslims annually to perform Hajj, in fulfilment of the fifth pillar of Islam. “This is the second year – 2026 for the State House Haj offers. unfortunately, it was largely mismanaged deliberately by some by State House staff for unknown reasons” Sheikh Bukenya disclosed.
However, he noted that challenges emerged in the implementation process this year, warning that poor coordination risked undermining both the Presidency and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), as well as affecting the emotions and expectations of selected pilgrims.
He revealed that although 65 Hajj slots were initially proposed and allocated to UMSC for equitable distribution across the ten Muslim regions, the arrangement did not materialize as planned. As a result, only 17 pilgrims reportedly received full packages that enabled them to complete the Hajj rituals, among them the celebrant, Hajjat Kyabangi.
Sheikh Bukenya called upon the relevant authorities to urgently engage with UMSC leadership to streamline the process and prevent a repeat of such challenges in future. Beyond the Hajj concerns, he highlighted ongoing UMSC development initiatives, including the establishment of Halal Farmers Centres in various Muslim districts in partnership with Matugga Industries and Logistical Hub.The initiative, he said, is aimed at boosting agricultural and livestock production to improve household incomes in rural communities. So, implore the faithful to embrace and support such initiatives.
He also urged Muslim faithful to prioritize both secular and religious education for their children, noting that this is key to raising responsible citizens capable of contributing to national and community development.
Earlier, community and religious leaders who attended the function emphasized unity, family values, and mutual respect. These included Sheikh Sadati Badola, the host Kadhi; Sheikh Isa Twahir Walugumba, newly appointed member of the UMSC Majlis Al Ulaama Committee of Eminent Sheikhs; Sheikh Basaamu Isa Mukungu, Director of Basaamu Hajj Services; and Hon. Moses Musanje Lukanga, Member of Parliament for Njeru Municipality, among others.
They also commended the significance of Hajj as a life-changing spiritual journey and urged stronger community cohesion.
Speaking alongside Hajjat Kyabangi, fellow pilgrims including Hajjat Saluwa Sunna, Hajjat Noor Mugoya, Hajjat Sarah Muyangu, and Hajjat Nasaba Ahmad shared reflections on the Hajj experience, describing it as a profound spiritual milestone that every Muslim aspires to undertake. Hajjat Kyabangi thanked the President wholeheartedly for the sponsor.
The event was attended by Sheikh Ahmad Mukungu, a member of the Majlis Al Ulaama; Sheikh Ismail Adi Basoga, Kadhi of Jinja Muslim District; county sheikhs; imams; and members of the business fraternity