Kampala – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended sponsorship to 150 Ugandan Muslims for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, marking an increase from the usual 100 slots supported by the government.
The beneficiaries received their facilitation packages at a ceremony held at the President’s Office in Kampala on May 6, 2026. Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Moses Byaruhanga, represented the President during the handover, where pilgrims expressed gratitude for the support.
According to officials, each pilgrim’s journey costs an average of Shs21 million, bringing the total government expenditure for this initiative to over Shs3 billion. In addition to the core sponsorship, reports indicate that pilgrims received pocket money to support their spiritual journey.
This annual gesture by President Museveni aims to enable devout Muslims, particularly imams and religious leaders who might otherwise face financial barriers, to fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam. Many of the selected pilgrims are said to be first-time participants in the sacred rite.
Hajj, which this year coincides with the period leading up to Eid al-Adha, draws millions of Muslims from across the world to the holy city of Mecca. For Ugandan participants, the sponsorship not only eases the significant financial burden but also strengthens interfaith harmony and national unity.
Speaking during the event, officials highlighted the President’s consistent commitment to supporting the Muslim community. “Instead of the usual 100 slots, the President has this time sponsored 150 Muslims for Hajj,” Byaruhanga noted, underscoring the expansion of the programme.
The move has been welcomed by Muslim leaders and pilgrims alike, with many describing it as a demonstration of the President’s inclusive leadership and appreciation for the contributions of the Muslim community to Uganda’s social fabric.
As the pilgrims prepare for their departure, expectations are high for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. Government officials are coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure smooth visa processing and travel arrangements.
This sponsorship comes at a time when Uganda continues to deepen ties with the Arab world and promote religious tourism and pilgrimage support as part of broader diplomatic and cultural engagement efforts.