President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sponsored 150 Ugandan Muslims to take part in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made during a flag-off ceremony held in Kampala, where the first group of pilgrims was officially sent off.
Hajj is one of the most important religious duties in Islam. It is a sacred journey that every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage brings millions of believers from around the world together in Mecca each year.
According to officials, the pilgrims will travel in two groups on 7th and 12th May 2026. The programme is being coordinated through State House in partnership with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and licensed travel agencies. Leaders involved in the process said the selection of beneficiaries was done in a transparent manner through Muslim community structures across the country.
Government representatives thanked President Museveni for increasing the number of sponsored pilgrims from the usual 100 to 150 people this year. They also said the support is meant to help ordinary Muslims who may not afford the high cost of the journey, which is estimated at about 21 million shillings per person.
During the send-off, officials urged pilgrims to follow the rules and behave responsibly while in Saudi Arabia. They emphasized discipline, cleanliness, and respect for the laws of the host country. Pilgrims were also warned not to pay money to anyone claiming to assist them, as the programme is fully funded by the government.
Some leaders used the occasion to highlight other government economic empowerment initiatives targeting Muslim communities, including SACCO funding and support for small livestock farming. They encouraged families to engage in productive activities to improve their livelihoods.
Religious leaders and some of the selected pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing blessing. Many said they never expected to be chosen for the journey and appreciated the government’s support in fulfilling a key pillar of Islam.
The event ended with prayers for peace, unity, and a successful pilgrimage for all those travelling to Mecca this year.
