The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) – North Eastern Muslim Region has entered into a strategic partnership with the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) Soroti branch to train Muslim Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) leaders in Teso and Karamoja. The initiative, announced by His Eminence Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the Regional Assistant Mufti (RAM) of Teso-Karamoja, is expected to empower Muslim communities to better participate in Uganda’s growing money economy.
Sheikh Obilan made the revelation while addressing more than 200 Muslim leaders at Kumi Main Mosque on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Those in attendance included District Kadhis, district management executives, county sheikhs, imams, women representatives (Amirats), and youth leaders from Bukedea, Kumi, and Ngora districts.
The regional mufti emphasized that his leadership is anchored on three key pillars: community empowerment, resource mobilization, and accountable leadership. He pledged that beginning October 2025, all Muslim leaders in his jurisdiction will undergo training to strengthen their managerial capacity and improve service delivery.
Sheikh Obilan noted with concern that Muslims in the region have historically missed out on government funding opportunities. He disclosed that during a visit to the Ministry of Teso Affairs in April, he learned that only one Muslim-based group had ever benefitted from its grant programs.
“It was astounding to hear that there are livelihood programmes worth billions in that ministry, but our Muslim community has not benefited,” he said.
A similar situation was echoed by Mr. Abubakar Wambale, the MSC Zonal Manager in Soroti, who revealed that billions of shillings are returned to the consolidated fund annually due to low absorption capacity in Teso sub-region. He further noted that no Muslim SACCO had ever accessed the centre’s Islamic banking products.
“This is why I have agreed with the Microfinance Support Centre to train our SACCO leaders so they can understand how cooperatives work and take advantage of the opportunities available,” Sheikh Obilan explained.
The RAM urged Muslim leaders to embrace teamwork and unity of purpose if they are to transform their communities. “We cannot transform our people if we still prefer working singly. We must learn from other communities that are thriving because of teamwork through SACCOs,” he said.
He also reminded leaders that government development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga were cleared for participation by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. “We need to wake up as a community and actively join the money economy. There is nothing for us without us,” he stressed.
The RAM further highlighted recent government commitments, including a UGX 2 billion pledge by President Yoweri Museveni to support Muslim women SACCOs. In addition, the President has promised UGX 30 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to support mosque imams and Amirats in establishing SACCOs, with each district expected to receive UGX 100 million.
“Therefore, you must register your SACCOs, begin saving, and plan effectively – not just wait for pledges to materialize,” Sheikh Obilan advised.
He also urged vigilance regarding the forthcoming rehabilitation programme announced by government to replace the stalled cattle compensation scheme, noting that consultations led by Vice President Jessica Alupo would be critical for the community’s inclusion.
As his pastoral tour continues across Teso districts, Sheikh Obilan is rallying Muslim leaders to seize the moment, embrace cooperation, and build sustainable financial structures for future generations.