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Some of the Muslim Community in Rubirizi who turned up for the SACCO launch
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Joshua Nahamya
Rubirizi – The Ishaka Muslim Community SACCO has launched a major Islamic banking outreach program in Rubirizi District, aimed at improving community livelihoods, promoting a saving culture, and tackling poverty through interest-free financial services.
The training event, held on Monday at Kyambura playground in Kicwamba Sub-county, was organized to raise awareness and provide access to financial services for community members who cannot easily reach the SACCO’s headquarters.
Sheikh Kiseka Iddi Abdulahumani, the Secretary for Dawa (Preaching) in the Greater Bushenyi Muslim District, urged residents to adopt a disciplined savings culture to foster financial stability. He emphasized that the program is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, offering vital financial literacy training alongside interest-free loans.
“This will help fight poverty and idleness by providing capital for income-generating activities,” Sheikh Iddi said, cautioning borrowers to repay loans responsibly to uphold both financial integrity and spiritual blessings.
Haji Adam Semugabe, a member of the General Assembly in the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, praised the Ugandan government for supporting Islamic banking, which aligns with Sharia law by providing funds without the burden of interest.
Haji Semugabe highlighted the SACCO's financial capacity, noting that the Ishaka Muslim SACCO has secured over Shs 3 billion in funding, including Shs 308 million allocated specifically to women and a separate Shs 11 billion grant allocated to Imams by President Museveni.
“These funds are not for individuals but for the entire community. Let us support this initiative and work together to uplift Islam in Rubirizi and Uganda at large,” he asserted.
Female Muslims also asked to cooperate for development in Rubirizi district
Combating exploitative loans
Local leaders emphasized the timely relief the initiative provides to rural households. Sheikh Manisuri Siwatu, a prominent Islamic leader in Rubirizi, stressed that Islamic banking will significantly reduce reliance on exploitative loan schemes that have trapped many residents in cycles of debt.
Haji Rukwago Muhamadi, Chairperson of the Greater Bushenyi Muslim Mosque Council and Treasurer of the Ishaka Muslim SACCO, reinforced the message of responsible financial behavior. “The funds from Islamic banking have no interest – the key is to use them honestly, invest wisely, and repay on time. Islamic banking is here to help you prosper, not to burden you with debt,” he advised.
Sheikh Kihimba Abubakar, District Khazi for Greater Bushenyi, encouraged parents to instill the habit of saving in their children from an early age to build a prosperous future.
The community responded positively to the outreach, with local resident Muhamad Kasozi stating, “This initiative gives us hope for a better future. We will save, invest, and support each other to thrive.” The SACCO plans to expand the program by conducting more training and opening additional branches in the district.
