Mubaje seeks Museveni’s audience over Hajj Affairs

By Abdu Wahid Kakande

After a failed attempt by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) to take over the management of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje is now seeking the audience of President Yoweri Museveni over the matter.

Speaking during an iftar dinner at State House in Entebbe on March 5, 2026, Mubaje asked Museveni to give him time to explain to him why UMSC urgently needs to take over the management of Hajj and Umrah Affairs in the country.

“Your Excellency, we have challenges when it comes to the management of Hajj Affairs and that is why many people are missing out. I therefore request to spare time, and I will explain to you this matter,” Mubaje said.

However, the President did not respond to him in his speech, but he instead commended the Muslim community for massively voting for the ruling National Resistance Movement in the concluded general elections.

Currently, Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA) is in charge of Hajj Affairs in the country. However, Mubaje accuses it of inflating the Hajj fares, locking many intending Muslims from fulfilling the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith. UBHA, however, has since dismissed Mubaje’s assertions as false.

Museveni also condemned the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Iran and the United State of America/Israel. The conflict was started by the United States of America and Israel when they attacked the Islamic Republic of Iran about two weeks ago.

Museveni blamed the conflict on chauvinism whereby each side believes that it is more important than the other.

MUSEVENI SUPPORT TO MUSLIMS

Mubaje thanked the President for keeping the tradition of hosting the Muslim community to an iftar during the holy month of Ramadhan which he said has strengthened unity within the members of the Islamic faith.

Mubaje also thanked the President for injecting sh20m in the Muslim Women SACCOs.

He said UMSC has since completed auditing all mosques across the country in order to form SACCOs for Imams so that they are also not left behind.

Mubaje also appealed to the President to appoint more Muslims in positions of responsibility to also contribute to national development.

Because forgiveness is a core principle during the holy month of Ramadhan, Mubaje asked the President to forgive political prisoners as a gesture of compassion during this sacred month of Ramadhan.

Delivering a sermon, Sheikh Dr Ashiraf Mutagubya, a lecturer from Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) commended Museveni for inclusive leadership.

“Your Excellency, we thank you for introducing Islamic Banking system and inclusion of Muslims in the national development programmes.  We pray to God to continue protecting you so that you continue to lead this country,” Mutagubya said.