Mufti urges Muslims to save faithfully for Hajj

By Ahmed Idriss

Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje has urged Muslims to adopt a consistent saving culture—however small—to fulfill the obligation of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

Quoting from the Qur’an and Hadith, the Mufti emphasized that Hajj is a duty upon all Muslims who are physically and financially able, stressing the need for strong faith and a determined mindset.

“Even a woman roasting maize by the roadside can go for Hajj,” Mubaje said. “If she saves Shs 2,000 daily, she can perform Hajj in 30 years. With Shs 4,000 daily, it would take 15 years. Shs 6,000 daily shortens the journey to seven and a half years. It’s all about mindset and trust in Allah. Do your part and leave the rest to Him,” Mubaje added.

He made the call on Saturday during a Thanksgiving ceremony hosted by Sheikh Twaha Uthuman Kajaya, the Mufti’s Special Envoy to South Sudan in Kitabazi, Kangulumira Town Council, Kayunga Muslim District.

The Mufti also encouraged Muslims to support Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) programs and called for national unity and peace ahead of the upcoming elections. He further urged security agencies to uphold human rights to ensure citizens freely choose their leaders.

Hajj roadmap

The Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA) issued the 2026 Hajj Roadmap on July 8, giving timelines for making payments.

According to the roadmap, all Muslims intending to make pilgrimage to Makkah next year have up to January 26, 2026, to pay all the required fees.

The roadmap indicates that pilgrims will fly to Makkah for pilgrimage on May 11, 2026, and will return by June 9, 2026.

Muslims pay between $4600 (about Shs 16.3 million) and $8,000 (about Shs 29 million) for the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah.

The money charged covers return airfare, visa, internal transport in Saudi Arabia, accommodation and meals.