Uganda's Ambassador to Saudi Calls for Transparency as Reports of Fraud in Hajj Affairs Swirl

Uganda’s Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Isaac Ssebulime has called on all stakeholders involved in Hajj affairs to exercise transparency in managing this critical pillar of the Islamic faith.

Ambassador Sebulime made the remarks while bidding farewell to Ugandan pilgrims who had successfully reached the final stages of the Hajj, including the symbolic stoning of the three pillars—an act symbolizing the rejection of Satan.

The Ambassador, accompanied by his Deputy, Sheikh Sulaiman Gugwa, met the pilgrims in the Tent City of Mina on the evening of Saturday, shortly after they had performed their last obligatory Isha prayers in the sacred land.

In his address, Ambassador Sebulime reflected on the formation of the Uganda Hajj Bureau in the year 2000.

“At that time, there was no centralized body managing Hajj affairs. Yet the Saudi Government required each Hajj company to deposit a specific amount as security before being allowed to operate,” he explained.

“The Ugandan Embassy proposed the formation of a unified body—what is now known as the Uganda Hajj Bureau.”

While noting the bureau’s achievements over the years, the Ambassador also highlighted existing gaps that require urgent attention to improve service delivery.

This came in response to a bureau officer’s earlier remarks defending the organization, which appeared to rebut a statement made by

Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, during his Eid al-Adha message. The Mufti had cited concerns about alleged mismanagement and corruption, particularly regarding the handling of Hajj visas—an issue that has left many pilgrims stranded despite having paid in full.

Ambassador Sebulime assured the pilgrims that the Embassy would engage the Mufti to facilitate a roundtable discussion involving all stakeholders to address the challenges.

“We still need the bureau to continue its operations,” he emphasized, while also urging Hajj companies to observe transparency and adhere strictly to the timelines set by the Saudi government.

He stressed that late payments have historically made it difficult for Saudi authorities to extend deadlines, thus preventing some Ugandans from participating in the rituals.

Hajj Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, UMSC Secretary General, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to improving Hajj services.

He pledged that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council was open to engaging with the Uganda Hajj Bureau to find sustainable solutions to the issues at hand.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Zakaria Kyewalyanga, the head of the Uganda Hajj Bureau, acknowledged the challenges faced during this year’s Hajj.

He thanked the Ugandan pilgrims for their exemplary conduct and discipline throughout the pilgrimage.

The colorful farewell event concluded with special prayers dedicated to the pilgrims as they prepare to return home.