Zombo Muslim District starts Imams' SACCO process for economic empowerment, development

By Mike Rwothomio

The leadership of the newly established Zombo Muslim District under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has formally commenced the process of forming the Imam’s SACCO Zombo Muslim District to enhance the economic livelihoods of Imams and drive broader community development.

According to officials, the SACCO formation process is at an advanced stage and awaits final clearance from relevant regulatory authorities.

The announcement follows a two-day intensive capacity-building workshop held 4th and and 5th of June at Jamia Mosque, the headquarters of Zombo Muslim District in Warr Town Council. The training brought together Imams from 53 mosques across the district.

The workshop equipped participants with essential skills in seven key areas, including community needs assessment, sustainable livelihood strategies, communication, Islamic prayers leadership, recommendation of educated individuals for employment opportunities, and effective utilization of SACCO structures.

Sessions were facilitated by professionals in the respective fields, including Mr. Juruga Abdulrahim (MGA Arua), Madam Beriu Emmy (Community Development Officer), officials from the Zombo District Commercial Department, and other experts.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Kasim Amin, the Zombo District Khadhi, confirmed ongoing efforts toward the SACCO’s establishment and called for strong community support for the initiative, which aims to transform the lives of religious leaders and the wider community.

“We are heading forward to forming a very big SACCO , the Imam’s SACCO for Zombo Muslim District that will be used to enhance the livelihoods of the Imams within Zombo,” Sheikh Kasim stated.

“The SACCO is not limited to Imams; anyone is welcome, and registration is in the pipeline. We shall soon have it launched. We call upon our community to support it.” He added.

The two-day retreat, organized by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council through the Zombo Muslim District Council and the Office of the District Kadhi, focused on strengthening religious leadership and promoting community development. 

Key topics included the concept and benefits of social capital, strategies for leveraging local networks to support mosque and community projects, trust-building, and successful case studies.

A dedicated session on the proposed Imam’s SACCO, facilitated by Madam Beriu Emmy, CDO for Zeu Sub-county, covered the meaning and benefits of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), steps for establishment in Zombo District, legal registration procedures, governance and management best practices, financial record-keeping, and access to support resources.

Officials from the Zombo District Commercial Department also contributed to the session.

The workshop convened key religious and local government leaders, including Religious Facilitator Sheikh Juruga Abdulrahim, Area Imam Sheikh Onena Ismail Abubakar, District Kadhi Sheikh Abdulaziz Kasim Amin, Madam Beriu Emmy, Commercial Officer Mr. William Onencan, Warr Centre Cell LC1 Chairperson Hon. Ongwech Yusuf H, and Warr Town Council Mayor Hon. Ojok Wilfred.

Discussions emphasized the role of SACCOs in fostering economic empowerment, sound management practices, and alignment with Islamic teachings on collective financial growth.

Participants engaged actively, sharing insights to promote community involvement in the initiative.

The workshop was well received, with many Imams expressing appreciation for the practical knowledge gained and its potential to improve financial management within their communities.

This innitiave aligns with Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua's recent appeal to Muslim community to embrace government socio-economic transformation programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), to uplift the livelihoods of the faithful.

The Zombo Muslim District was carved out of the Nebbi Muslim District and formally inaugurated last month in Warr Town Council, Ora County.

This forms part of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s nationwide initiative to create 17 new districts, approved in October 2025, aimed at enhancing service delivery to Uganda’s approximately 9.07 million Muslims (12.1% of the national population), who are supported by 7,290 mosques under the UMSC.

Imams pose for at end of workshop held at Jamia Mosque in Warr Town Council

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.