LUUKA.His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, has urged private companies handling Hajj affairs in Uganda to streamline and improve service delivery, emphasising that the pilgrimage is a sacred spiritual journey and not a business transaction.
He made the remarks while representing His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, as Chief Guest at a thanksgiving function organised by the family of Haj Yusuf Mukoka in Luuka District, Busoga region.
The event, held at Hajj Mukoka’s ancestral home in Busiiro village, coincided with the official commissioning of a newly built mosque- Masqid Dauda with a capacity of 500 worshippers. The mosque and its land were fully donated by Hajj Mukoka, a senior official in the Ministry of Tourism, to ease the burden of Muslims who previously trekked long distances to attend obligatory prayers.
On behalf of the Mufti, Sheikh Waiswa praised Hajj Mukoka for his generosity and exemplary contribution to the community. Turning to the central theme of his address, Sheikh Waiswa cautioned private Haj companies against negligence and misconduct.
“UMSC accepted the private Haj companies to offer services to intending pilgrims. Unfortunately, many have proved reluctant in understanding the Council’s position as the mother body coordinating Islamic affairs nationwide. This has resulted in some mess caused by unscrupulous individuals poorly handling this very important pillar of faith as if they are dealing in any business transactions, which isn’t the case,” Sheikh Waiswa noted.
He added that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council often carries the blame when things go wrong, urging companies to cooperate closely in addressing challenges. Sheikh Waiswa also reminded Muslims that the most meritorious Haj is one financed personally, rather than expecting sponsorship. He further called on the faithful to support UMSC’s 10-year strategic development plan and warned Ugandans against engaging in violence during the forthcoming national elections.
“Never sell off your hard-earned property for the sake of gaining political positions. Politics should not be treated as a job but as a national call for service,” he advised.
Earlier, Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the UMSC National Chairperson, outlined seven key points in the Council’s 10-year Strategic Development Plan, describing them as deliberate efforts to foster social transformation within the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, Hajj Yusuf Mukoka expressed gratitude to his guests for honoring his invitation and for joining him in thanksgiving following his successful completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The event attracted several high-profile personalities, including Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, the Director of Sharia; Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Dr. Sheikh Hassan Mwaita, Deputy Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Busoga; the host Kadhi of Luuka Muslim District; the Kadhi of Kamuli Muslim District; officials from the Ministry of Tourism; and local Muslim leaders.