Africa-Press – Uganda. The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called on Muslims particularly those in rural areas to utilise their personal resources such as land to finance their pilgrimage to Makkah, fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam, Haj.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Sheikh Abdu-Barri Muhammad Kaloozi, the Secretary for Zakat and Swadaqa Distributions at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), the Mufti emphasised that financial constraints should not hinder eligible Muslims from undertaking the spiritual journey.
The call was made during a thanksgiving ceremony at Kinawampere village in Namwendwa County, Kamuli District, in honor of Haj Ali Kintu, a recent pilgrim to Makkah.
“Muslims in rural areas should not consider themselves too poor to fulfil this obligation,” Sheikh Kaloozi said.
“Those with land and other resources should understand that performing Haj is a one-time religious duty for those who are financially and physically able. Selling a portion of land to fulfil this obligation is a worthy investment in one’s faith,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of faithful and notable leaders, including Sheikh Ismail Kazibwe, the Kadhi of Kamuli Muslim District; Morris Kibalya, the area Member of Parliament; UMSC officials; local government leaders; and religious figures from across the region.
Sheikh Kaloozi, who was part of the UMSC Haj and Umrah Department delegation that accompanied pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, encouraged early preparation for the 2026 Haj pilgrimage, noting that full payment should be completed by December 2025.
He commended the children of Haj Ali Kintu for funding their father’s pilgrimage, urging other families to emulate the gesture. “It is a great act of devotion and love to sponsor your parents for Haj,” he said.
Sheikh Ismail Kazibwe urged returning pilgrims to lead by example and promote Islamic values within their communities.
“You have witnessed the Holy Land. Now return and be ambassadors of Islam,” he said.
Kibalya pledged to support more Muslim clerics in future Haj journeys, recognising the spiritual and moral value they bring back to their communities.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
