Kampala, (UG):- President Museveni has contributed a whooping UGX 2 billion to the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCOs) under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Women’s Council.
The President, who also doubles as NRM National Chairman, made the pronouncement on Tuesday, October 08, at the official inauguration of the Women Council, held at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala.
Speaking to the congregation of Muslim faithful on the evening, Mr Museveni affirmed his commitment to supporting the economic empowerment of women within the Muslim community, noting the crucial role SACCOs play in enhancing access to financial resources for development.
He emphasized that such initiatives align with the NRM government’s wider strategy to alleviate poverty by promoting financial independence at the grassroots level.
“The government is committed to empowering women economically, and this support to your SACCO will give you the boost needed to grow your businesses, create jobs, and improve household incomes,” President Museveni stated.
The pledge was in response to a request made by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) who earlier at the event urged the President to provide financial support to the Women’s SACCO to enable its members to uplift their livelihoods through entrepreneurship and income-generating activities.
SPA Namyalo in her remarks before Museveni suggested an injection of UGX 2 billion, which the President later endorsed. The ONC boss praised the President for his continuous support towards the empowerment of women and vulnerable communities, particularly in the Muslim community.
The Chairperson of the National Muslim Women Council under Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Hajjat Sophia Kenyangi Safina informed the President that the council symbolises more than just an organisation—it represents the unstoppable force of Muslim women driving transformation in our society.
She underscored the immense contributions of Muslim women who include leaders, business owners, educators, and caregivers—in shaping Uganda’s future.
“Muslim women are not just participants in this journey, but leaders- and through this Council, we will elevate our roles even further,” she said.
She also commended President Museveni for his wise leadership that grants freedom of worship in Uganda.
“I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to you, Your Excellency, for being a steadfast ally in empowering women. Your commitment to gender equality has opened countless doors for women across all sectors. Under your leadership, Muslim women have risen to new heights in politics, business, education, and more,” Hajjat Kenyangi said.
She also lauded Uganda Muslim Supreme Council under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti, and Dr. Lubega Muhamad as National Chairman; for upholding President Museveni’s message of increasing household incomes and mobilising the Muslim Community to heed to the call.
“Their dedication to unity within the Muslim community has empowered us to embark on this transformative journey,” she said.
“Your, Excellency; a self-sustainable project, worth Shs700m and aimed at boosting household incomes for ordinary Muslims and other community members was launched by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council this year. An assessment meeting attended by all the Regional Muslim leaders was held on September 4, 2024. It was addressed by Haji Faruk Kirunda who emphasised your philosophy of improving Household incomes.”
Hajjat Kenyangi further requested the President to support them in the project so that more Ugandans benefit from it. “Sir, due to the high numbers of participants in this project; your involvement is needed especially in the areas of provision of agricultural inputs and irrigation items.”
She also told the President that the National Muslim Women Council is looking forward to empowering Muslim Women to drive socio-economic growth, ensuring that they are not just contributors, but leaders in the nation’s transformation.
“Your Excellency Muslim women are already at the forefront of Uganda’s economy, excelling in sectors like agriculture, entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and Islamic finance.”
Hajjat Kenyangi also announced a groundbreaking initiative that will revolutionise the way the council manages and supports Muslim women’s SACCOs across the country. “The soon-to-be-adopted centralised digital system will digitise all women SACCOs under the Uganda Muslim Women’s Council, allowing for real-time tracking of SACCO needs and operations,” she said.
“With this digital system, SACCOs and their members will have the ability to submit applications online and check the status of those applications at any time. This will greatly enhance transparency and efficiency in the allocation of resources. Once any funds or grants become available to support women, they will be disbursed with the highest level of transparency.”
Additionally, the Chairperson noted that despite their achievements, Muslim Women still face significant challenges, including limited access to vocational education, financial exclusion, and social barriers that restrict leadership opportunities.
“We call on the government and development partners to support initiatives that address these barriers, ensuring that Muslim women can fully participate in Uganda’s development.”
The Uganda Muslim Women’s SACCO according to Hajjat Kenyangi is expected to provide financial assistance to Muslim women across the country, helping them start or expand small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and crafts.
The inauguration of the UMSC Women’s Council is part of ongoing efforts by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in community development.
The event was attended by religious leaders, government officials including Vice President Jessica Alupo, and representatives from the women’s council, who took oath of office.
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