By Masejele Sulaiman
Muslims have been encouraged to embrace a strong saving culture as a practical way of fulfilling one of Islam’s greatest obligations performing Hajj to the holy city of Mecca.
The call was made by the Director of Sharia at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Dr. Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, who officiated as the chief guest at a Shukur (thanksgiving) ceremony hosted by the Head Teacher of Nkoma Secondary School, Hajji Kawanguzi Abubakar, following his successful pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. 
Addressing the congregation, Dr. Lubanga emphasized that financial discipline and consistent saving can enable more Muslims to achieve their dream of performing Hajj. He urged believers to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary expenditure, and stop relying on free sponsorships to undertake the pilgrimage.
If you apply this knowledge, you can go to Mecca within eight years by saving only Shs200,000 every month. In countries like Malaysia, people save for Hajj for 15 to 20 years, depending on their financial plans. But in Africa, many people want everything for free, yet free things are often the most expensive because everyone wants them, Dr. Lubanga said.
He noted that Hajj is an obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable and encouraged the faithful to prepare for it through proper financial planning.
The Secretary for Hajj Affairs at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Hajji Juma Ali Shibuyo, commended the pilgrims for successfully completing all the required rituals. He praised Hajji Kawanguzi’s dedication throughout the pilgrimage despite not being a Sheikh and encouraged him to continue being a role model within the Muslim community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hajji Kawanguzi Abubakar thanked the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, particularly Hajji Shibuyo, for the guidance and support offered throughout the pilgrimage.
I thank the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council for the excellent services they rendered to us during Hajj. I also encourage fellow Muslims never to abandon the five daily prayers because what I witnessed in Mecca reminded me how small we are before Allah, he said.
He also shared one of his memorable experiences during the pilgrimage.
In Mecca, we performed Hajj alongside the President of Côte d’Ivoire. He had no bodyguards and wore the Ihram just like every other pilgrim. It was a powerful lesson in equality before Allah, Kawanguzi added.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted religious leaders from Mbale, Kayunga, Kampala, Lwengo, and the Busoga region, as well as education stakeholders, family members, friends, and members of the Muslim community who joined Hajji Kawanguzi in thanking Allah for granting him a safe and successful pilgrimage.
Speakers congratulated Hajji Kawanguzi on completing Hajj and encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, support one another, and prepare both spiritually and financially for the sacred journey.
The event concluded with special prayers for unity, peace, and prosperity within the Muslim community and the nation at large.