Africa-Press – Uganda. The Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Political Mobilisation and Chief Agent for the NRM Presidential Flagbearer 2026–2031, Moses Byaruhanga, has reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to financially empower Muslim leaders — including Imams and Sheikhs — in a renewed effort to fight poverty and improve livelihoods across the country.
Speaking at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala on Monday,Byaruhanga emphasised that the empowerment of religious leaders is a central pillar in President Museveni’s inclusive development agenda.
“On top of the Parish Development Model (PDM), His Excellency the President is going to inject funds into SACCOs for religious leaders both Islamic and Christian to help them fight poverty.
The Muslims here have already organised themselves from the smallest units up to the headquarters. We are going to fund them just like we have done with other SACCOs,” Byaruhanga said.
He noted that the President’s decision stems from his recognition that most religious leaders do not earn a formal salary.
Through government-backed SACCOs, Imams and Sheikhs will be able to access capital to start businesses and sustain their livelihoods.
Byaruhanga further revealed that Muslim leaders could also benefit from interest-free financing through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), which operates an Islamic Banking window, and that the government is exploring similar opportunities through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
“We shall also talk about loans from UDB to see whether you can get them free of interest,” he said.
In his remarks, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, lauded President Museveni for his continued support toward Islam and the empowerment of Muslim leaders through SACCO initiatives.
“These SACCOs are meant to support our Imams and Sheikhs with start-up capital for businesses and uplift their livelihoods. We shall also have 10 regional SACCOs for District Kadhis and Deputy Kadhis. However, I urge you not to involve politicians in these SACCOs,” he said.
Mubaje also highlighted the positive impact of the new Muslim Constitution, which he said has brought greater organisation and accountability to the UMSC. He called on district Kadhis to adopt modern strategies — including the use of social media for mobilising the faithful and strengthening community engagement.
The Mufti further directed all Muslim leaders to register Muslim assets nationwide, including schools, mosques, and land, warning against individuals attempting to grab religious property.
“We must have registers and know our properties. Some people are using our property to fight us. We are going to institute a legal team to handle those trying to grab our property. We should also know the number of Muslims in the country so that we can determine our rightful share of the national cake,” he said.
The Secretary General of UMSC, Hajji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, highlighted key milestones achieved by the Muslim community in Uganda, including the ongoing development of the Muslim Martyrs’ Site in Namugongo, which is now under full UMSC management.
“The site is now in our hands, and we have started developing it,” he said.
Muluubya also underscored the role of the Muslim Arbitration Council, which helps resolve internal conflicts within the Muslim fraternity.
“Before going to court, we encourage Muslims to report their cases to the Arbitration Council. We are supposed to use our internal mechanisms to resolve differences,” he said.
He extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda for its continuous support toward the Islamic faith and its institutions.
Byaruhanga reiterated that President Museveni’s government remains committed to inclusive development, ensuring that every empowerment program benefits all Ugandans regardless of religious or political affiliation.
“The NRM government is for all. Every program — whether PDM, Emyooga, or the upcoming SACCO funding — is designed to touch every Ugandan, without discrimination,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by the 2nd Deputy Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, and State House officials Hajjat Mariam Namayanja and Hajjat Shabilah Nassali, among other dignitaries.
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