Africa-Press – Uganda. Muslim women across Uganda have been urged to responsibly utilize funds allocated to their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to strengthen economic empowerment and ensure long-term sustainability.
The call was made by Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, through remarks delivered on his behalf by Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, during the opening of the National Muslim Women Council meeting at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala.
The meeting brought together all ten Muslim Regional Representatives to the UMSC General Assembly, focusing on enhancing SACCO operations and promoting women’s economic participation.
Hajji Muluubya emphasized the importance of responsible management of SACCO funds, noting that the initiative operates on a revolving basis and requires discipline from beneficiaries.
“The funds provided are revolving in nature and must be managed responsibly. Beneficiaries must ensure that loans taken are repaid to sustain the SACCOs,” he said.
He also urged leaders to intensify mobilization efforts among Muslim women in their regions to expand participation and impact. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of Halal Farmers’ Centres established in various districts, which provide access to quality agricultural and livestock inputs.
Addressing future prospects, Hajji Muluubya assured members that UMSC would follow up on President Museveni’s recent pledge of an additional shs20 billion to support Muslim women SACCOs.
He also rallied support for the proposed Qadhi Courts Bill, expected to be tabled before Parliament, which aims to streamline the administration of Muslim personal law in areas such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.“We call upon Muslim women to support this bill, which is critical in strengthening the administration of Islamic personal law,” he added.
Hajji Muluubya expressed appreciation to government for its continued support toward initiatives aimed at uplifting Muslim women.
Meanwhile, the National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council, Hajjat Sophie Safina Kenyangi, presented an annual report outlining achievements and challenges in SACCO implementation.“This project was conceived as a strategic initiative to foster economic empowerment of Muslim women through Sharia-compliant SACCOs,” she noted.
She highlighted key milestones, including nationwide sensitization campaigns, training of trainers, and the rollout of a Digital Ecosystem Management System designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing the presidential grant of shs 2 billion currently in circulation.
