President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged a contribution of Shs2 billion to support Muslim women Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) across Uganda.
“I will contribute Shs2 billion for the SACCOs of the Muslim women. I will mobilize Shs1 billion now and another Shs1 billion in July next year,” President Museveni announced.
The President made this commitment during the inaugural Muslim Women’s Conference, held today at the Old Kampala SS playground in Kampala.
The conference was held under the theme, “The Role of Muslim Women Leaders in Socioeconomic Transformation.”
During the event, President Museveni expressed appreciation to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) leadership for empowering Muslim women through the creation of the National Muslim Women Council of Uganda.
“I’m happy to see that the thinking of the NRM is spreading to all of you,” Museveni said.
He emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has long promoted women’s emancipation and equality through various initiatives.
“In 1979, when we were fighting Idi Amin, we recruited many young people, including girls, to join the army. At that time, we were mixed with other groups like UPC. When we formed one army, our UPC partners refused the girls, claiming women were not for the army. We were stuck with our girls in Mbarara, but when we fought again in Luwero, we revived the idea of women joining the army. This time, we were by ourselves, and many women joined,” Museveni explained.
Adding that: “When we captured power, they joined the national army for the first time, and these women proved to be excellent shooters. When we entered Parliament, we created a special seat for women and other marginalized groups. I wasn’t aware that you Muslims had been left behind on the issue of women. Now I welcome you to the NRM’s journey of civilization.”
Museveni also reflected on the enduring impact of simple actions, thanking God for allowing simple people to make a lasting difference.
“I feel happy whenever I see this mosque because it wasn’t here before. During Amin’s time, the people in charge received money from Saudi Arabia to build a mosque, but they built a crooked structure. The Muslim leaders kept telling me about the need for a mosque until I spoke with Muammar Gaddafi, who agreed to build it. Now we have this mosque and other structures like shops. I’m very happy that our simple efforts led to this,” Museveni said.
He also recalled his role in establishing the Islamic University in Uganda, despite opposition from some government officials.
“Again, I supported the establishment of the Islamic University in Mbale. Some people opposed it, saying it was an attempt to make Uganda an Islamic country. I disagreed. Some of our people are Muslims, and there’s no harm in having something Islamic for them. I gave them Nkoma SS, a government school, and they started the university there. Today, wherever I go, I meet graduates of that university.”
President Museveni urged Muslim women to fight poverty by embracing government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“Now that you are mobilizing, I emphasize what is in the Bible about the talents. A master gave his workers talents (money) and went on a long journey. When he returned, one worker had multiplied the talents, and the master was pleased. But the worker who merely kept the talent was punished, and the talent was taken from him. Similarly, all Ugandans have talents, and we must use them to multiply,” he said.
“The government is sending support to every village. Each parish is receiving money under the PDM, and each constituency is getting Emyooga funds. I’m getting testimonies of success, and we plan to invest even more. Each parish is receiving Shs100 million, but in time, we will increase this amount. This is not ‘riba’ (interest), and the 6 percent additional charge after two years is meant to protect the SACCO from inflation,” Museveni explained.
He assured the women that the government is working to free Ugandans from predatory money lenders by offering money with no or minimal interest.
Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo thanked the Muslim community for their unity, hard work, peace, compassion, and love, stating, “Those qualities are very strong in Islam.”
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, acknowledged that UMSC had once opposed women in the public sphere but later realized their crucial role in socio-economic development.
“We are here today because the UMSC constitution was amended to allow women into the public space, and Your Excellency, you strongly supported this move,” said Sheikh Mubaje.
He added that the Muslim community in Uganda is now largely united, though a few individuals attempt to disrupt their progress. Mubaje also called attention to certain individuals misusing social media to tarnish Islam by attacking others.
“We are identifying these individuals, and we will summon them to warn them against destabilizing the country,” he stated.
The Mufti expressed appreciation to Special Presidential Assistant Haji Faruk Kirunda for his role in organizing the Muslim Women’s Conference.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Lubega Kisambira, National Chairperson of UMSC, assured the President that UMSC structures are ready and willing to collaborate with the government to improve Ugandans’ socio-economic status.
“We have learned much from your counsel, wisdom, and experience in fighting poverty,” he said.
Hajjat Sophia Kenyangi Safina, Chairperson of the National Muslim Women Council, emphasized that the council represents more than just an organization; it symbolizes the unstoppable force of Muslim women driving societal transformation.
“Muslim women are not merely participants in this journey but leaders. Through this Council, we aim to elevate our roles even further,” she declared.
Hajjat Kenyangi commended President Museveni for his leadership in promoting gender equality, which has empowered Muslim women in various sectors, including politics, business, and education.
She also praised the UMSC leadership for mobilizing the Muslim community to increase household incomes, aligning with the President’s message.
“A self-sustaining project worth Shs700 million aimed at boosting household incomes for ordinary Muslims and others was launched by UMSC this year. An assessment meeting with regional Muslim leaders was held on September 4, 2024, where Haji Faruk Kirunda reiterated your philosophy of improving household incomes,” she said.
Hajjat Kenyangi requested the President’s support for the project, particularly in providing agricultural inputs and irrigation systems.
She also announced plans for a centralized digital system to manage and support Muslim women’s SACCOs, which will allow for real-time tracking of SACCO needs and operations, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Despite their successes, Hajjat Kenyangi acknowledged that Muslim women still face significant challenges, such as limited access to vocational education and financial exclusion.
She called on the government and development partners to help address these barriers so Muslim women can fully participate in Uganda’s development.
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