Muslims warned against fake government Hajj offers
By Issa Kigongo
The Luwero Muslim District Kadhi, Sheikh Mulindwa Ramadhan Swaib Nsanja, has warned Imams, County Sheikhs and other Muslim leaders against individuals allegedly using the names of State House and senior government officials to solicit support by promising free Hajj trips, money and other benefits.
Sheikh Nsanja said some individuals have been approaching Muslim leaders claiming to have access to government assistance, and urged leaders to verify such claims through official channels before responding or involving members of their communities.
“Do not allow people to use the names of government officials to deceive you. Verify such information through the proper channels before you act,” the Kadhi cautioned.
He made the remarks on August 26 during a leadership tour of Butuntumula Muslim County in Luwero District.
The Kadhi urged Muslim leaders to remain vigilant and avoid being drawn into schemes in which individuals exploit their positions and relationships within the Muslim community for personal gain.
He said Muslim leaders should also be cautious about promises of Hajj opportunities, particularly given the sensitivity and cost associated with the pilgrimage.
UMSC PUSHES DIGITALISATION
During the same visit, Sheikh Nsanja urged Muslim leaders to embrace the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s digitalisation programme, particularly the UMSC360 system.
He said the platform was intended to improve administration and enable Muslim leaders at different levels to access and update information about their structures.
“We have gone digital. Please, it is time for every leader to be able to access the UMSC360 digital system. Now the County Sheikh can access the system and update Imams, their deputies and other information of his county,” Sheikh Nsanja said.
He said greater use of the system would help the UMSC maintain accurate records, improve communication and strengthen coordination between district leadership and lower Muslim structures.
The Kadhi commended Butuntumula County for maintaining an operational office and management committee to oversee its activities.
He, however, urged the county leadership to strengthen accountability by preparing annual budgets and submitting quarterly reports to the district.
Protect Muslim land
The Luwero Muslim District Chairman, Hajji Muhammad Matovu, called on Muslim leaders to protect community land from misuse, encroachment and other threats.
He encouraged leaders to put available Muslim land to productive use through activities such as eucalyptus planting, agriculture and other income-generating ventures.
“These projects can help preserve Muslim land while also generating resources for community development,” Hajji Matovu said.
He also called for closer supervision of Muslim-founded schools and urged leaders to ensure that Foundation Body dues are properly followed up.
Hajji Matovu further tasked Imams with paying attention to chicken slaughter centres and other meat-handling facilities in their areas to help ensure that Muslims have access to halal food.
“Imams, please monitor the chicken slaughter centres and help the community to have halal food. It is your responsibility when people eat Haram,” he said.
