Supreme Mufti launches digital collection of offertory to curb mismanagement

By Abdul Wahid Kakande

The Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, has launched a digital collection system for offertories, including Zakat and Sadaqah, calling upon all mosques under his office to open bank accounts where the faithful can directly deposit their contributions.

Speaking at the launch held at Masjid Yusuf in Nakifuma, Mukono district, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Galabuzi argued that the initiative will not only minimize rampant conflicts arising from mismanagement of funds but also help mosque leaders plan their finances more effectively. This marks a departure from the current practice of entrusting money to a few individuals, which has often led to misuse.

“I call upon the leaders of our mosques countrywide to open bank accounts on which people can directly deposit their offertory. This will not only enhance accountability and transparency but will also enable proper use of the funds,” Galabuzi said.

The Supreme Mufti emphasized that the initiative is a step forward in embracing modern systems that safeguard community resources. He observed that the traditional method of collecting money in mosques and at events is outdated and lacks transparency.

“Open accounts for your mosques. When money is on account, it can be easily tracked. This will minimize conflicts at the mosque level. This money will not come to our account but yours. So, nobody should worry about the digital banking system,” Galabuzi assured.

To facilitate this transition, the office of the Supreme Mufti has entered a partnership with Centenary Bank, an institution rooted in trust and development, to ensure the Muslim community is not left behind in the digital shift.

“Most religious institutions in the country have embraced digital banking, and it is only us Muslims who have been lagging behind. I therefore thank Centenary Bank for approaching us,” Galabuzi said.

Under the arrangement, Shaun Mukwaya from Easy Money explained that each mosque will be allocated a unique code. The faithful can use this code to make payments, and the money will be deposited directly into the respective mosque’s account.

Galabuzi also called upon Muslims and well-wishers to contribute to the “Deen Fund,” an initiative loosely translated as “Ensawo y’Obusiraamu” in Luganda, aimed at supporting development initiatives of the office of the Supreme Mufti.

“If one million adult Muslims embrace this initiative by paying 3,000 shillings annually to our account, this translates into 3 billion shillings. I can assure you that we shall achieve a lot without each of us feeling the pinch,” Galabuzi said.

The Deen Fund arises from the partnership between the office of the Supreme Mufti and Centenary Bank, allowing Muslims to contribute directly to the office’s account. With a physical presence in 45 districts nationwide, Galabuzi said his office has now embarked on an ambitious agenda to establish facilities in education, health, and development across all these districts.

“Our focus is now on development and strengthening our structures. We have since moved away from bickering,” Galabuzi stated.

The Mukono District Supreme Kadhi, Sheikh Abdu-Noor Kakande, urged Muslim leaders under the office of the Supreme Mufti to be exemplary.

“Our core values include transparency, accountability, and integrity. You should always live by them; otherwise, if you don’t, we make no difference from those we abandoned,” Kakande said.

Sheikh Twaha Kezala, the Secretary General of the office of the Supreme Mufti, underscored the benefits of digital platforms, describing them as an easy and efficient way for people to contribute to the development of their religion.

Dr. Muhammad Musoke Kiggundu, the Director of Communication, Research, and International Relations in the office of the Supreme Mufti, said the system will improve efficiency in handling donations.

“The intention of this initiative is to simplify the way we handle offertory. For example, we are supposed to pay Zakat, but we have been doing it in a traditional way whereby the money lands in the hands of a few people who have ended up misusing it,” Kiggundu explained. He added that proper collection will enable more Muslims to be supported in developing themselves.

A representative from Centenary Bank, Ssemanda, noted that the world is moving toward digitalization in everything, making it important for the Muslim community to embrace the digital banking system.

“We chose to work with the office of the Supreme Mufti because we share a common value of building a better society and putting in place strong institutions,” Ssemanda said.