KAMPALA.
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has urged all intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to fulfill all the requirements by December this year
Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyu, UMSC Secretary for Hajj and Umrah, made the announcement during a thanksgiving event hosted by the family Hajj Nasuru Magomu. Magomu, who works with the United Nations in Nairobi, had just returned from the 2025 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The event was held at the family’s residence in Nsangi Muzinda, Kyengera Town Council. Sheikh Shiwuyu warned that all payments, including travel fare, must be completed by December in line with the new Hajj policy issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
He cited delays in 2025 that saw more than 200 Ugandan pilgrims miss the spiritual journey due to late payments and visa denials.
“The Saudi government blames Ugandan officials for pushing pilgrims who seem uninterested, leading to late payments and missed deadlines,” he said.
He added, “Those who missed this year will be prioritized for Hajj 2026.”He echoed earlier remarks by Sheikh Yakub Ssemuwemba, who called Hajj a divine favour from Allah. “Those who were blessed to perform Hajj must guard themselves from returning to ungodly living,” Sheikh Ssemuwemba said.
Other religious leaders at the event included Sheikh Abdu-Azziz Saadi Gibegya of Bukonde County (Bugisu Muslim District), Sheikh Bilal Manana of Masjid Sunni Wal Jama alias Plot six mosque in Mbale City, and Sheikh Abdunassir Zubayir Masai, Dawah Officer for Bugisu Muslim District.
Hajj Magomu praised UMSC’s Hajj Department for its integrity and organization. “Thank you, Sheikh Shiwuyu, for your honesty—even returning our balance from animal slaughter fees,” he said emotionally. He also pledged to sponsor his wife for Hajj in 2026.
Magomu’s fellow pilgrims, Hajj Munir Kinaga (an accountant) and Haj Ibrahim Mbubi (businessman and Lubaga Muslim District Secretary), shared personal reflections on their spiritual journey.
The event drew a cross-section of dignitaries from various sectors.