By Jumah Kakomo
The Structured Imams and Amirats Assembly of Uganda has announced plans to hold a national thanksgiving ceremony on July 24, 2026, to recognize President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting local imams to undertake the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The announcement was made on Monday in Kampala by the Assembly’s President, Sheikh Saidi Kasawuli, who said the “Shukru Thanksgiving Ceremony” will acknowledge the President’s support in enabling more than 250 local and needy imams to perform Hajj during the 2025 and 2026 pilgrimage seasons.
The Structured Imams and Amirats Assembly of Uganda is an Islamic leadership organization that promotes the welfare of mosque leaders, community development, and unity among Muslims. The organization also convenes national forums for imams and Islamic scholars, focusing on peace, security, and national development.
According to Sheikh Kasawuli, the initiative traces its origins to 2008 when the Assembly petitioned President Museveni to support underprivileged local imams, including assisting them to fulfill the Islamic obligation of Hajj. He said the President responded positively in 2011, with the support later culminating in sponsorship of more than 250 imams during the 2025 and 2026 Hajj seasons. Kasawuli added that the program remains open to eligible local and needy imams and has no specified end date.
Speaking at the same briefing, Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Noor Kasolo appealed to financially capable Muslims to refrain from seeking assistance under the initiative, emphasizing that priority should be given to less privileged imams who would otherwise be unable to afford the pilgrimage.
The Assembly’s Legal Affairs Officer, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukenya, urged members to discharge their responsibilities professionally and uphold the organization’s values in order to maintain public confidence.
Meanwhile, Assembly mobilizer Irene Kusiima called on Muslims and the general public to attend the thanksgiving ceremony, saying the event will provide an opportunity to express appreciation for President Museveni’s support toward the Muslim community through the Hajj initiative.
The thanksgiving ceremony is scheduled to take place at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday, July 24, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m.
