His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has called on Muslims to prioritize performing Hajj while they are still physically capable and financially prepared. He urged believers to plan early and not delay the sacred journey, noting that opportunities may not always come again — “fortune comes once.”
This message was delivered on his behalf by Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), during a thanksgiving ceremony held in honor of Hajjat Sophie Mbekeka. She recently returned from performing Hajj in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Hajjat Mbekeka serves as Vice Chairperson of the National Muslim Women Council and Woman Representative for the West Buganda Muslim Region in the UMSC General Assembly.
The function was held at the compound of a vocational institute she founded in Kyansanku, Ward B, Mpigi Town Council.
The event attracted several high-profile personalities. Among them was Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, former Chairperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission and current Chairperson of the Islamic Call University Governing Council, who served as the special guest. Sheikh Abdu-Barri Muhammad Kaloozi, Secretary for Zakat Collection & Distribution, represented the Hajj and Umrah Department. Also in attendance were Sheikh Juma Mawejje Kabanda, Regional Assistant to the Mufti for West Buganda; Sheikh Idd Muhammad Kabuye, Kadhi of Greater Mpigi; and District Kadhis from Sembabule, Bukomansimbi, Lwengo, Nakasongola, and Rukungiri. Others included Sheikh Muhammad Mayambala, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce; Haj Badru Mugabi, RDC Hoima Oil City; and Mr. Hassan Kasibante, RDC Jinja, among others.
Sheikh Abdallah Ssemakula, Kadhi of Sembabule, commended Hajjat Mbekeka for her religious devotion and commitment to teamwork, describing her as deserving of the Hajj — a journey every Muslim strives to complete in their lifetime.
Sheikh Murshid Luboyera, County Sheikh for Mawokota Maddu, walked attendees through the historical and spiritual significance of the Hajj, while Sheikh Kaloozi shared updates on a new Hajj policy by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. He emphasized the deadline for intending pilgrims for the 2026 season, which is December 2025. Departures are set for May 18, 2026, with returns scheduled for June 4, 2026.
Sheikh Mawejje Kabanda and Sheikh Kabuye also presented updates on affairs in their respective regions and districts.
Hajjat Mbekeka and fellow pilgrims recounted moving experiences from their journey, expressing gratitude and spiritual fulfillment from visiting the Holy Sanctuaries.
Prof. Kiggundu closed the event by reinforcing the Mufti’s advice: Muslims should strive to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam — Hajj — while they are still energetic and able.
