MASINDI, August 8, 2025 –– Muslims in Masindi District have resolved to form a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [SACCO], codenamed Masindi Muslim District Imams SACCO, to economically empower members of the Muslim community.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during a meeting of Imams and other Muslim leaders from Buliisa and Kiryandongo districts, held at Kihande Mosque in Masindi Municipality.
According to Khalifan Balikagira, Secretary of the Masindi District Muslim leadership, the SACCO will be open not only to Imams but also to other Muslim leaders and staff.
He explained that, in addition to savings, members will also engage in income-generating activities such as bull fattening, goat rearing, poultry farming, and crop cultivation.
“We do not want to focus solely on preaching the Word of Allah. We also need to empower ourselves economically so that we can compete effectively. We resolved to form this SACCO following the President’s advice that Muslims should organise themselves in this way to receive support,” he said.
Balikagira noted that there are over 600 Imams in Masindi and Kiryandongo districts, and with this number, the SACCO is expected to be sustainable. He added that the loans offered through the SACCO would be interest-free.
Muslims warned against divisionism
Sheikh Yahayya Safian Mugisa, the District Khadi of Masindi Muslim District, warned against divisive tendencies, stressing that divisionism should have no place in the community.
“We must unite and resist any actions aimed at dividing us or undermining our religion. We need to promote the growth of Islam and our collective development,” he said.
Addressing the meeting, Kassim Ssembuga, Regional Secretary for the Bunyoro-Tooro Muslim District, urged Imams and other Muslim leaders to preach the message of development and unity.
“Whenever you get the opportunity, speak out against any divisive actions being introduced into the district. We must remain united as Muslims. We have not had this kind of division before, and we must speak with one voice. Division will only weaken us,” he cautioned.
The leadership of Masindi Muslim District under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) condemned the rising divisionism, particularly in light of a planned inauguration of a parallel Muslim leadership scheduled for 23 August 2025 at Masindi Public School.
The office of the Supreme Mufti under the Kibuli faction is currently organising celebrations for the birth of Prophet Muhammad [Rabi al-Awwal Mawlid], during which Sheikh Musa Kunsa, the Supreme Khadi for the Kibuli-aligned Masindi Muslim District, is expected to be inaugurated.
https://thecooperator.news/lango-muslims-urged-to-embrace-poverty-eradication-programmes/
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