Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the National Chairperson of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC has launched the long-awaited social and economic transformation project on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda. The project, estimated at UGX 700 million, will be implemented across ten Muslim regions nationwide.
Prof. Lubega made the official announcement at a one-day seminar held at the main library of Insan International University at the UMSC headquarters on August 1, 2024. The seminar was organized to sensitize members of the national task force, selected from the UMSC National Executives, Management Committee, Regional Assistants to the Mufti, and Regional Secretaries. Prof. Lubega explained that these economic transformation projects are part of the UMSC ten-year strategic developmental plan aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim community.
He highlighted how Muslims have lagged in development, resulting in stagnation of household income and an inability to support Islamic activities or fulfill religious obligations such as almsgiving (Zakah) and performing the Muslim pilgrimage (Haj).
According to the plan, each of the ten Muslim regions will receive UGX 60 million. The projects are expected to begin implementation on August 9, 2024, starting at the regional level and then extending to Muslim districts, counties, village mosques, and eventually households. Prof. Lubega implored Muslims to demonstrate commitment, zeal, and passion to ensure the success of these initiatives.
The projects will be implemented on 110 acres of documented UMSC land. The yield distribution will be as follows: 40% to the UMSC headquarters, 20% retained at the regions, and 40% shared between the counties and mosques.
“We have presented this plan to His Excellency President Museveni, and he pledged to offer more funds, especially when he sees that we have commenced implementation,” Dr. Lubega remarked.
He provided simple calculations showing that one acre of cocoa plantation, which takes three years to mature, yields UGX 21 million, potentially generating UGX 21 billion from 1,000 acres. He urged Muslim faithful to rally behind the UMSC for self-sustaining economic growth.
Earlier, members engaged in lively interactive sessions with facilitators, including Mr. Chemutai Job Alunga, a research scientist and plant breeder, who presented on coffee production, and Mr. Kawuzi Emma Waiswa, Senior Agricultural Officer, who discussed cocoa growing. Hon. Dr. Ismail Gainamungu chaired a session where members expressed views on the selection of cash crops and the timeline for project implementation.
After careful consideration, participants from their respective regions resolved to implement the following projects: Kampala: bricket making and poultry keeping; East Buganda: coffee growing; West Buganda: coffee growing; Busoga: cocoa production; Ankole-Kigezi: coffee growing; Bunyoro-Toro: coffee growing and cocoa production; Eastern Region: coffee growing; West Nile: cocoa production; and Northern and North Eastern Regions: sheep and goat rearing, respectively.
Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, made welcoming remarks highlighting the urgent need for socio-economic transformation in the communities.
Notable attendees included Hon. Counsel Haj Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; Hon. Arinda Abdu-Razaq, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Development and Planning; and Hon. Sophie Safina Kenyangi, National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council.
