UMSC Unveils UGX 700M Socio-Economic Transformation Project to Uplift Muslim Community

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has unveiled UGX 700 million social and economic transformation project aimed at uplifting the Muslim community across the nation.

The initiative, launched by Hon. Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the UMSC National Chairperson, on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, marks a significant milestone in the council's ten-year strategic developmental plan.

Announced at a one-day seminar held at Insan International University's main library, the project aims to address the socio-economic stagnation affecting the Muslim community, which has hindered household income growth and the ability to support Islamic activities such as almsgiving (Zakah) and pilgrimage (Haj).

The seminar gathered key members of the national task force, including UMSC National Executives, Management Committee, Regional Assistants to the Mufti, and Regional Secretaries.

Prof. Lubega emphasized the critical need for these transformation projects, noting that Muslims have long lagged in development.

He revealed that each of the ten Muslim regions will receive UGX 60 million, with implementation set to begin on August 9, 2024.

The projects will first take root at the regional level before extending to districts, counties, village mosques, and eventually households.

The initiative will utilize 110 acres of documented UMSC land, with the yield distribution allocated as follows: 40% to the UMSC headquarters, 20% retained at the regions, and 40% shared between 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 stated.

He highlighted the immense potential of the project, illustrating that one acre of cocoa plantation could yield UGX 21 million after three years, translating to UGX 21 billion from 1,000 acres.

Interactive sessions during the seminar saw lively engagement from members, including presentations by experts like Mr. Chemutai Job Alunga, a research scientist and plant breeder, who discussed coffee production, and Mr. Kawuzi Emma Waiswa, Senior Agricultural Officer, who elaborated on cocoa growing.

In a session chaired by Hon. Dr. Ismail Gainamungu, members deliberated on the selection of cash crops and project timelines, ultimately resolving to implement various region-specific projects:

• Kampala: Bricket making, 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
• Northern and North Eastern Regions: Sheep and goat rearing, respectively

Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, delivered welcoming remarks, stressing the urgent need for socio-economic transformation in the communities.

Notable attendees included Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad 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.

This project promises to significantly impact the Muslim community's socio-economic status, fostering sustainable growth and self-sufficiency