President pledges continued collaboration with Muslim leaders to drive wealth creation and community development
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue working closely with Muslim leaders across Uganda to achieve development, unity, and socio-economic tranformation within their communities.
The President’s message was delivered by his Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda, during a special Busoga regional Muslim gathering held at Namalemba Seed School in Bugweri District.
The colourful event, which also marked the inauguration of the new District Kadhis of Namutumba and Bugweri, drew hundreds of believers, scholars, and local leaders who gathered to pray for peace, cohesion, and successful national elections.
Museveni Salutes Muslim Leadership in Promoting Wealth Creation
In his written message, President Museveni lauded the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and its leadership for partnering with the government to spread the message of economic empowerment at the household level.
“I want to commend His Eminence Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, the Kadhis and Imams, for amplifying the NRM’s message on wealth and jobs creation, at the household level,” he said.
The President described the Muslim leadership as a key ally in government’s efforts to mobilize citizens toward productive work and community development.
He acknowledged that the spiritual guidance provided by religious institutions complements the state’s development agenda, especially in promoting discipline, integrity, and social responsibility among citizens.
President’s Message to the Faithful
President Museveni expressed gratitude to Busoga’s regional Muslim leaders for organizing the event and for their prayers for peaceful campaigns and general elections.
“I want to thank the Regional Mufti, Dr. Hussein Mahamad Bowa and the other Muslim leaders, in Busoga, for inviting me to attend special prayers, for our Country, to go through peaceful campaigns and general elections,” he said.
“I have not been able to join you physically, due to the ongoing campaigns. However, I have asked Haji Faruk Kirunda to represent me; and also deliver my congratulatory message to the newly appointed District Kadhis and all Muslims in Busoga,” President Museveni added.
Congratulating the New District Kadhis
On behalf of the government and the NRM Party, President Museveni congratulated Sheikh Faiswal Sowed Kakaire and Sheikh Zaidu Ramathan Wakibi upon their appointment and inauguration as District Kadhis of Namutumba and Bugweri respectively.
“I want to thank you for accepting to lead the Muslims, in your respective districts. Allah has entrusted you with this great responsibility, to offer spiritual guidance to the believers, in your area,” he said.
“I trust that Allah, who has called you to serve His people, has prepared you to discharge your duties. I encourage you to constantly seek wisdom and counsel, from the Holy Quran, to make correct decisions,” he added.
The President’s message was received with applause from the congregation, many of whom described it as a timely encouragement to Muslim leaders to integrate faith and socio-economic empowerment in their pastoral work.
Faith and Prosperity: Building Wealth alongside Spiritual Growth
President Museveni praised Muslim leaders for encouraging their followers to aspire not only for spiritual salvation but also for prosperity in this life.
“It is important to note that human beings have both spiritual and physical needs. The Mosques and the other places of worship cater for people’s spiritual needs. There are also physical needs for food, water, shelter, medicine, hospitals, schools, clothes, transport, jobs, etc. In a modern economy, you cannot obtain the goods and services, which are necessary to sustain life, without money,” he said.
“Moneylessness is solved by undertaking a profitable enterprise in one of the four sectors of: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT. These are the four sectors where you can create jobs and wealth,” the President emphasized.
He said the message of balancing faith and work is central to the NRM’s economic ideology, which promotes self-reliance through production, value addition, and innovation.
Highlighting Government Achievements and Next Steps
President Museveni reminded the audience that since 2005, Uganda has made great strides in infrastructure and service delivery.
He said, “Since 2005, the visionary leadership of the NRM government has continued to prioritise the development and modernisation of Uganda’s infrastructure, by tarmacking the roads, increasing electricity generation, building hospitals, schools and ensuring peace and stability.”
He noted that the next stage of transformation is ensuring that citizens convert this national development into personal and household wealth.
“The remaining task is helping our people to transform these economic advantages into wealth for the families and jobs for the young people. Development alone is not enough, though it must come first. Development is a collective good for everyone. It must, however, be translated into jobs and wealth for the families, in order to be meaningful,” he urged.
Empowering Communities through Wealth Funds
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to financially empower Ugandans through existing programs targeting low-income earners.
“The government has created wealth funds like the Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Fund, the Parish Development Model, etc., to extend the needed capital to organised groups engaged in production of goods and services,” he said.
He explained that the success of these funds depends on discipline and accountability at the local level.
“If we solve the problem of poverty in each home, even the challenge of building good mosques will be solved, because families will be empowered to support Islam financially,” President Museveni added.
He further assured Muslim leaders that in his next term of office, the government will provide financial support to the SACCOs of religious leaders, including Sheikhs and Imams.
Leaders Laud Museveni’s Pledge to Religious SACCOs
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje, praised President Museveni for his continued support to Muslim development initiatives across the country.
He specifically thanked the President for accepting his proposal to fund SACCOs for Imams and Sheikhs, saying such programs would help strengthen financial independence among the clergy.
“Sheikh Mubajje praised President Museveni for supporting and funding Muslim projects that have contributed to socio-economic transformation of the nation,” the statement read.
He also advised the Muslim community to vote wisely in the upcoming January 15, 2026 general elections, urging them to consider leaders who promote peace and development.
Women Leaders Appreciate Fulfilled Promises
The National Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Women Council, Hajjat Sofia Kenyangi Safina, expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling his pledge of Shs 2 billion to Muslim women SACCOs.
She said the funds have already started empowering women in trade and small-scale enterprises, helping them contribute to household income and community welfare.
Kazibwe Warns Independents, Calls for Party Discipline
Former Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, who heads the NRM campaign team in Busoga Sub-region, cautioned political independents against infiltrating NRM structures.
She urged the people of Busoga not to vote for individuals running as independents while exploiting the party’s strategic programs.
“Independents should stop attending NRM strategic meetings,” she warned.
Faith, Politics, and Development Intersect in Busoga
The Busoga sub-region, home to a large Muslim population, has been a significant beneficiary of government development programs including the Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Youth Livelihood Fund.
In recent years, the region has witnessed improved access to electricity, new seed secondary schools, and the upgrading of health centres under the NRM’s rural service expansion plan.
Analysts say the government’s outreach to religious leaders is a strategic effort to strengthen grassroots mobilization around socio-economic transformation and national unity.
Museveni’s Message of Partnership and Hope
President Museveni ended his message with a word of gratitude and renewed partnership with the Muslim community.
“Finally, I once again congratulate the Muslim Community for organizing these special prayers; and also congratulate the two Kadhis, upon their inauguration. I thank you all,” he said.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district officials, and religious leaders from across Busoga Sub-region.
The day concluded with special prayers for peace, prosperity, and national unity, reaffirming a growing partnership between the Ugandan state and faith communities in advancing shared national goals.
