Uganda sets new Zakat Nisab

By Ahmed Idriss

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has released the current Zakat Nisab (threshold), urging all eligible Muslims in Uganda to fulfill their obligatory Zakat contributions. Through its Zakat and Swadaqa Department, the UMSC has determined the Nisab based on the prevailing market values of gold and silver.

According to the announcement, the gold Nisab is equivalent to 85 grams of gold, valued at UGX 28,545,673.25, while the silver Nisab stands at 595 grams of silver, valued at UGX 2,533,331.50. Consequently, the current Zakat threshold for Ugandan Muslims has been set at UGX 2,500,000 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Shillings).

Muslims whose wealth—including savings, trade goods, or cash—meets or exceeds this amount and has been held for one lunar year (Hawl) are required to pay Zakat at a rate of 2.5% of their total qualifying wealth.

Zakat is alms (religious tax) for the poor and needy in society. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory upon every adult Muslim of sound mind and means.

Zakat is payable on salary (monthly/annual), domestic animals like goats, sheep, cattle and camel as well as cash accumulated from halal businesses.

Sheikh Kaloozi Abdulbarri Muhammad, Head of the UMSC Zakat and Swadaqa Department, emphasized the spiritual significance of Zakat, quoting the Qur’an: “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke blessings upon them.” (Qur’an 9:103)

“Zakat is not merely a financial obligation but a pillar of Islam and an act of worship that purifies wealth, strengthens social solidarity, and uplifts the less privileged in our communities,” Sheikh Kaloozi added.

He asked those in need of guidance on calculating or paying Zakat to contact the UMSC Zakat and Swadaqa Department at the Head Office in Old Kampala.

To pay Zakat in Uganda, one can do so directly to needy individuals or donate to registered charities like Salam Charity, Lillah Caring Charity Uganda Ltd or the House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda through their websites, bank accounts, or physical offices.

Beneficiaries

There are eight types of people are eligible to receive Zakat and include:

• The poor (Al-Fuqara)
• The needy (Al-Masakeen)
• Zakat administrators
• New Muslims (Mu’allafah Quloobuhum)
• FreeingsSlaves (Riqab)
• Those in debt (Al-Gharimeen)
• For the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah) and
• Stranded travelers (Ibn Al-Sabeel)

The value of one’s primary residence, personal clothing, and appliances are generally not included when calculating their Zakat assets. However, any investment properties or saved rental income are included.