The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has initiated a long-awaited social and economic transformation project valued at over Shs700m, set to be implemented across ten Muslim regions nationwide.
The announcement was made by UMSC National Chairman Alhajj Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira during a one-day seminar held at the main library of Insan International University at the UMSC headquarters.
Prof. Lubega explained that these projects are part of the institution’s 10-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 Prof. Lubega, 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, he said, will be implemented on 1100 acres of documented UMSC land throughout all ten Muslim districts in Uganda, with yield distribution set at 40% to the UMSC headquarters, 20% retained at the regions, and 40% shared between the districts, counties, and mosques.
“We 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 said.
The UMSC chairman 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 the Muslim faithful to rally behind the UMSC for self-sustaining economic growth.
Kampala selected brick-making and poultry keeping, East Buganda chose coffee growing, West Buganda selected coffee growing, and Busoga will implement cocoa production.
Others include Ankole-Kigezi, which will implement coffee growing, Bunyoro-Toro with coffee growing and cocoa production, Eastern Region with coffee growing, and West Nile for cocoa production
. The Northern and North Eastern Regions will implement sheep and goat rearing, respectively.
Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, highlighted the urgent need for socio-economic transformation in the communities.
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