In 2024, UMSC launched a Shillings 700 million initiative using internally generated funds to promote self-sustainability across the ten Muslim regions.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to donate tractors to the ten Muslim regions in Uganda to support the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) socio-economic transformation program.
He made the commitment during the annual state Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe on Tuesday evening.
This followed a request by the North Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, who asked the president to support UMSC’s program.
In 2024, UMSC launched a Shillings 700 million initiative using internally generated funds to promote self-sustainability across the ten Muslim region namely Kampala, West Buganda, East Buganda, Northern, West Nile, Ankole, Bunyoro-Tooro, Busoga, North Eastern and Busoga.
During his sermon, Sheikh Obilan urged the president to provide a tractor for each region to strengthen the program.
"Your Excellency, we are currently implementing this program. In North Eastern Uganda, we have a project with over 200 sheep. We think when we get a tractor, it will go a long way in enhancing its implementation in line with the government's program towards economic empowerment," he said.
He also requested a vehicle to facilitate his mobilization efforts.
"Your Excellency, I am a product of the Shillings 2 billion you provided to UMSC for its constitutional amendment process in 2022. Being the youngest Regional Assistant to the Mufti, I am the only one without a vehicle. I kindly request you to provide me one," he added, prompting chants of "Allah is Greatest" from a group of Kadhis.
In response, President Museveni, impressed by Sheikh Obilan’s presentation, pledged to donate tractors to the ten Muslim regions and a vehicle to Sheikh Obilan.
"I will give each of the ten Muslim regions a tractor and give you a vehicle in the next financial year," Museveni said.
He commended UMSC for implementing the socio-economic program, stating, "I am beginning to see that our thinking is going together as a country."
Museveni emphasized the importance of wealth creation alongside spiritual well-being.
"That is why we rolled out the Parish Development Model and provided 100 million to each parish to benefit Ugandans directly. That is your money; it will stay in the parishes to help Ugandans improve their livelihood. The government doesn't need it," he explained.
He also clarified the five percent top-up on the funds, saying it was meant to maintain their value rather than act as interest.
"The goods you buy for one million Shillings today will cost you more next year because the value of money keeps depreciating," he noted.
Earlier, Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, who represented the Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje—who was away on official duties in the US—commended President Museveni for his continued support to Muslims.
"As Muslims, we extend our appreciation to Your Excellency for always supporting our activities," he said, pledging UMSC’s full cooperation in implementing government programs like the Parish Development Model.
