Taqaddum Sacco: A lifeline for Muslim journalists

By Jafar Mugera

Back in 2016, as the holy month of Ramadhan approached, a small group of Muslim journalists found themselves connected by a simple WhatsApp group. What began as casual conversations soon grew into something bigger — a shared desire for spiritual growth and togetherness.

The group quickly transformed into a platform for action. Members began pooling resources, not only to support colleagues facing hard times but also to extend a hand to the wider community.

From offering relief to the less fortunate, they moved into constructing mosques and reaching out to donors to fund social welfare projects. Their efforts would eventually bring safe and clean water to communities that needed it most.

“Our achievements within just a few months opened our minds to something bigger. Through the WhatsApp group, we exchanged ideas that eventually gave birth to Muslim Journalists Taqaddum Sacco Ltd,” said Sadab Kitatta, the Sacco’s general secretary.

The Sacco was formed to provide Shariah-compliant financial solutions for Muslim journalists. It has steadily grown into a trusted source of support for its members, many of whom had previously struggled with the harsh realities of commercial lending.

“We are proud that in the past eight years, Taqaddum has enabled our members to acquire properties such as land, build houses, and others have started small businesses through the Murabaha financing facility,” said Abubaker Muwonge, the Sacco’s chairman. “This is the kind of impact we envisioned from the very beginning,” he added.

The Murabaha facility — where the Sacco purchases assets on behalf of members and resells them at a modest mark-up — has been central to these achievements. Unlike conventional loans, it eliminates the burden of interest, in line with Islamic finance principles.

“In cases where our colleagues were about to lose their properties to moneylenders, Taqaddum intervened. This restored not only property but also hope and dignity,” Muwonge explained.

The journey has not been without setbacks. The Sacco’s leadership recalls how their ambitious plan to establish what was expected to be a flagship project in Munyonyo was disrupted almost immediately after its launch.

“We had just opened the project with high hopes, but within a month, the COVID-19 lockdown was announced. Everything came to a standstill. It was a very tough period, but it also tested our resilience and strengthened our commitment to bounce back,” Muwonge said.

“The last eight years have shown us what unity and shared values can achieve. We have demonstrated that ethical finance is not only possible but also impactful,” he said.

Looking ahead, the chairman revealed that Taqaddum plans to diversify its portfolio by exploring government bonds, equities, mutual funds, and real estate — all within Shariah-compliant frameworks.

Beyond financing, the Sacco has carved out a space for professional and spiritual growth.

AGM and Qur’an recitation competition

The Sacco is to host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday August 30, 2025, at the Parliament of Uganda premises in Kampala, where members will hear the leadership’s report on annual performance and vote on key resolutions for the future.

On the same day, 16 journalists and media personalities will tussle it out in the inaugural Taqaddum Media Personalities Qur’an competitions. The annual event is intended to promote Qur’anic knowledge, foster unity among Muslim media practitioners, and inspire spiritual growth within the profession.

It also aims to unite Muslim journalists from across the country in faith and fellowship.