Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Isaac Biruma Sebulime, has called for urgent reforms and increased transparency in the management of Uganda’s Hajj affairs, following growing concerns over mismanagement and delays that have left several pilgrims stranded despite full payments.
The remarks follow public criticism from the Mufti of Uganda,Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who recently decried alleged corruption and visa irregularities linked to the Uganda Hajj Bureau.
“There are still gaps that need immediate attention to improve service delivery,” Ambassador Sebulime stated, noting that despite the Bureau’s formation in 2000 to centralize and streamline Hajj operations, persistent operational challenges remain.
The statement appeared to respond to earlier comments by a Hajj Bureau officer who defended the Bureau against the Mufti’s criticism.
The Mufti had, in his Eid al-Adha message, accused the Bureau of failing to properly manage visa processes, resulting in dozens of pilgrims missing the Hajj after making full payments.
Ambassador Sebulime acknowledged the controversy and pledged to engage religious and institutional leaders, including the Mufti, in a roundtable dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing issues.
“We still need the Bureau to continue its operations,” he said, but stressed the need for Hajj companies to follow Saudi timelines and make payments promptly to avoid unnecessary exclusions.
The delays in payments to Saudi authorities, he explained, have historically hampered the Embassy’s ability to negotiate extensions, effectively locking out some eligible pilgrims.
UMSC Secretary General Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi also addressed the pilgrims, affirming the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s willingness to work with the Hajj Bureau on reforms.
“We are committed to improving Hajj services and ensuring accountability,” he said.
The Bureau’s head, Sheikh Zakaria Kyewalyanga, admitted to operational challenges this year but praised pilgrims for maintaining discipline and composure despite the setbacks.
The controversy comes amid growing frustration within Uganda’s Muslim community over what critics describe as systemic failures in managing the Hajj process from delays in communication to questionable allocation of travel slots. Calls have intensified for greater oversight and financial accountability within the Bureau.
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