Overview:

The last time the Airline took Muslims on pilgrimage was during the presidency of Idi Amin.

A total of 250 Muslims on Monday, 19 June 2023, flew out of the country via Uganda Airlines to Mecca for the annual Hajji pilgrimage.

The last time the Airline took Muslims on pilgrimage was during the presidency of Idi Amin.

Another 250 pilgrims will travel with Uganda Airlines on Tuesday, following a partnership between the national carrier and Uganda Hijja Bureau.

The Monday ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, second Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, and witnessed by Muslim leaders, diplomats, and state officials at Entebbe International Airport.

Ms Nakadama said: “I want to thank the Ministry of Works and Transport for giving us Uganda Airlines to take our first batch of pilgrims to Mecca. I want to thank all those who have supported us as Uganda in promoting Uganda Airlines.”

She added: “Hajji is one of the pillars of Islam where every Muslim if they are able, is supposed to go to Mecca. We call upon those who are able to do so when the time comes.”

Gen Katumba said: “This is a landmark and the Muslim community will be happy that they will be able to make the pilgrimage to Mecca using the national carrier. What has been happening is that our pilgrims to Mecca have been using transit routes. This is an opportunity to travel directly.”

“While in transit, the pilgrims can be able to communicate in the local language because our attendants can speak the local language,” he added.