Issuance of Hajj 2026 visas to close on December 14
By Jafar Mugera
Muslims intending to perform Hajj in 2025 must complete all necessary payments by December 14, the Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA) announced on Saturday, even as the country continues to deal with the fallout from this year’s pilgrimage season that left hundreds of Ugandans stranded.
Sheikh Hamid Nsubuga, UBHA’s spokesman, revealed that while there are 82 registered Hajj service companies in Uganda, only 37 facilitated pilgrims for the 2024 season. The disclosure came during his address at Hajjat Faridah Namuli’s shukur (thanksgiving) ceremony in Naluvule, Nansana Municipality.
Uganda had requested 1,700 Hajj slots for the last Hajji but only 1,349 pilgrims made the trip.
Meanwhile, at least 202 prospective pilgrims missed out on the visas despite having made all necessary preparations and payments.
“These numbers are low compared to the thousands from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and elsewhere who missed,” Sheikh Nsubuga explained. “The Saudi authorities showed us those numbers to justify their refusal to reopen the system and accommodate the Ugandans who were left out.”
Saudi Arabia offers three classes of Hajj packages, but UBHA has taken a firm position on which options Ugandan pilgrims should consider:
- First Class (Over $15,000): Discouraged due to prohibitive costs
- Middle Class: Recommended option guaranteeing proper accommodation and amenities
- Economy Class: Blocked by UBHA due to poor conditions that expose pilgrims to hardship
“With the middle-class Hajj, pilgrims are assured of hotel accommodation, beddings and other amenities,” Sheikh Nsubuga emphasized.
For the 202 pilgrims who missed out this year, Sheikh Nsubuga urged them to immediately contact their respective Hajj companies to either secure refunds or have their payments applied toward next year’s pilgrimage.
With the December 14 payment deadline now set, UBHA is working to ensure better coordination for next year’s Hajj season. The bureau emphasized the importance of using only registered and reputable Hajj service providers, particularly considering this year’s challenges.
