His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has urged ordinary Muslims to start saving small portions of their daily earnings to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam—Hajj.
The Mufti made these remarks during a colorful Thanksgiving ceremony organized by the family of His Excellency Sheikh Twaha Uthuman Kajaya, the Mufti’s Special Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan.
The function took place at their ancestral home in Kitabazi, Kangulumira Town Council, just a few meters off the Kayunga–Jinja Highway in Kayunga Muslim District, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The event attracted a large crowd, including high-level dignitaries such as H.E. Ambassador General Philip Idro (representing Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho), Prof. Badru Kiggundu (Chairperson, Islamic Call University and former National Chairperson, Uganda Electoral Commission), Hon. Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi (UMSC Secretary General), his Deputy in charge of Finance and Administration, Hajji Counsel Muhammad Ali Aluma, Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga (Director of Sharia), Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyu (Head of Hajj and Umrah Affairs), Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Bbowa (Busoga Regional Assistant to the Mufti), Eng. Sheikh Siraje Kavuma (former UMSC Secretary General), and Sheikh Umar Gugumiza (the host District Kadhi), among others. Delegations from South Sudan, Ugandan Muslims living in South Sudan, fellow Hujjaj, District Kadhis, County Sheikhs, and Imams were also in attendance.
Quoting verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths, Mufti Mubaje highlighted the spiritual significance of Hajj and reminded the congregation of its obligation upon those who are physically and financially capable.
“Allah has made Hajj obligatory for those who are able to undertake the journey. And whoever denies, despite having the means, let them know that Allah is free of need from the worlds,” he preached.
He emphasized that financial capability should not be seen as a barrier if Muslims develop strong faith and trust in Allah.
“Even a woman roasting maize by the roadside can go for Hajj. If she saves as little as UGX 2,000 daily, she can accumulate the required funds within 30 years. Saving UGX 4,000 daily shortens the period to 15 years, and UGX 6,000 daily will make it possible in just seven and a half years. It’s all a matter of mindset. Do your part and leave the rest to Allah,” he said.
The Mufti also praised Sheikh Twaha for his exemplary service as Special Envoy, which has enhanced cooperation between UMSC and the South Sudan Islamic Council. He noted that this collaboration has led to significant benefits, including the donation of a radio station and 10 annual scholarships to South Sudanese students to study at the Islamic Call University.
In his concluding remarks, the Mufti urged Muslims to support UMSC activities, safeguard peace and stability ahead of the upcoming national elections, and called on security agencies to uphold human rights and freedoms to ensure free and fair participation in the electoral process.
Earlier, several dignitaries gave speeches. Ambassador Philip Idro, on behalf of Gen. Salim Saleh, commended Sheikh Twaha for playing a key role in strengthening cross-border trade between Uganda and South Sudan, which has generated significant revenue for Uganda.
Hon. Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi updated the gathering on UMSC’s current affairs while emphasising that UMSC take Haj as an religious obligation not as business venture, while Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyu gave a detailed account of the successful Hajj 2025 operations. Sheikh Twaha Uthuman thanked guests for honoring his invitation, and Sheikh Umar Gugumiza shared insights on the state of Muslim activities in Kayunga District.
The event concluded with guests presenting various gifts to the celebrant, including cash and a he-goat.
