UMSC moves to sue UBHA Over Shs 460m Haj Fees

By Ahmed Idriss, Issa Kigongo

The simmering conflict over the management of Uganda’s Haj pilgrimage has erupted into a full-blown legal confrontation, with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) formally initiating steps to sue the Uganda Bureau of Haj Affairs (UBHA) for the refund of over US $131,000 (approx. Shs 460 million) in contested pilgrim funds.

The formal notification, addressed to the UBHA Chairman, Sheikh Zakaria Kyewalyanga, and dated January 22, 2026, follows a previous demand notice issued on December 27, 2025. These legal manoeuvres represent the latest escalation in a power struggle over who holds the mandate to coordinate the sacred fifth pillar of Islam for Ugandan pilgrims.

THE FINANCIAL DISPUTE

At the heart of the legal action is a demand for the refund of funds remitted by the UMSC to the UBHA for the facilitation of the 2025 Haj season, as well as deposits intended for the 2026 season. The UMSC’s decision to pursue these funds through the courts stems from deep-seated concerns regarding financial irregularities and a perceived lack of transparency within the Bureau’s operations.

Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, recently revealed that a specialized investigative team uncovered evidence of gross mismanagement, corruption, and even theft within the existing framework.

“In short, the Haj had turned into an illegal business venture, losing its religious sanctity and enriching a few individuals,” the Mufti stated during a recent stakeholders’ engagement.

According to Council officials, the UBHA—originally thought to be a collaborative federation—was discovered to be a private firm owned by just three directors. This lack of broad-based governance, coupled with unexplained hikes in Haj fees and reports of illicit activities, including drug trafficking by individuals posing as pilgrims, prompted the UMSC to seek government intervention.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENES

Following the UMSC’s internal probe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially intervened, suspending the UBHA’s coordination role. The Ministry has now designated the UMSC as the sole competent authority to liaise with the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.

This designation aligns with international Saudi protocols, which dictate that Haj affairs must be managed by officially recognized national Muslim bodies.

Despite this official shift, UMSC officials report that UBHA officers have continued to communicate with licensed Haj companies regarding payments for the current season—a move the Council warns could lead to further confusion and financial loss for intending pilgrims.

REASSURANCE TO LICENSED HAJ AND UMRAH COMPANIES

Amidst the transition, the Mufti has moved to calm the nerves of private service providers. During a meeting at the UMSC Headquarters on January 23, 2026, the Mufti addressed officers from eleven Haj companies, assuring them that the UMSC has no intention of displacing professional service providers.

“I want to assure you that those with good intentions will not be affected,” the Mufti noted, explaining that the UMSC’s role is to coordinate and oversee, not to monopolize the business of travel. He emphasized that under the new oversight, the goal is to streamline costs.

“There are three categories of Haj. There is unexplained increment of Haj fees and lots of complaints including drug trafficking. If we were performing Haji the right way under category D, it shouldn’t cost $5,000,” Mubaje said.

The Mufti recalled that when he took office in 2000, the system was transparent: companies submitted lists to the UMSC, which then facilitated visas through official Saudi channels.

He expressed regret that over time, this process was bypassed by private interests without written authorization.

THE PATH TO 2026

UMSC Secretary-General Abasi Muluubya told the meeting that the transition would not disrupt Haj activities, urging companies to remain calm as reforms take shape.

“True change comes with some turbulence, but it doesn’t stop work from continuing. UMSC has taken lots of time and precaution on the issues that the Mufti has communicated,” Muluubya said.

He clarified that UMSC had not abolished UBHA, describing it as a legally registered body, but had only reclaimed the management of Haj affairs.

“UMSC has not abolished UBHA since it’s a legally registered body, but what we have done is to repossess the management of Haj affairs,” he said.

Currently, a UMSC team has already been deployed to Saudi Arabia to finalize accommodation and logistical arrangements.

Sheikh Ali Shiuyo, the UMSC Secretary for Haj Affairs, confirmed that Prof. Dr. Ziyad Swalleh Lubanga is now heading the Haj coordination office during this transition period.

Sheikh Shiuyo also reassured pilgrims that any funds already paid into the Nusuk system remain secure and will be utilized for the benefit of those who made the deposits. The Council is currently awaiting final formal communication from the Saudi authorities to conclude the transition of the digital portals and visa systems.

However, the UBHA has vehemently contested this entire narrative, asserting its continued legitimacy and operational independence.

UBHA BREAKS SILENCE

UBHA through Sheikh Ssewakiryanga, its chairperson, flatly rejected the accusations. At a press conference on January 12 in Kampala, Sewakiryanga said neither Mubaje nor UMSC has legal control over the bureau, which operates independently of the Mufti’s authority.

“The Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs is an independent, registered institution with its own constitution, leadership, and systems,” Sewakiryanga said.

“What he [Mubaje] can do is withdraw UMSC’s membership [from UBHA], because the bureau is not operating under UMSC,” he added.

Sewakiryanga also rejected claims of financial exploitation through exorbitant or unexplained charges, saying all payments are governed by clear contracts.

“We have clear contracts that guide the money pilgrims are supposed to pay. Claims that pilgrims are paying extra money are misleading,” he said.

He added that the bureau has already begun preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage, including registering residential facilities where Ugandan pilgrims are expected to stay in Saudi Arabia.

“So far, we have already started this year’s process, including registering all the residences where pilgrims will stay. Our work is ongoing and uninterrupted,” he said.