Uganda Muslim Supreme Council

What Uganda Muslim Supreme Council does

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), founded in 1972 and headquartered at Old Kampala, is the constitutionally recognized apex religious and administrative body for Muslims in Uganda. It serves the country's Muslim community through a four-tier hierarchy spanning 10 Muslim Regions, 87+ Muslim Districts, Muslim Counties, and individual mosques, with a General Assembly drawn from 82 districts and a 24-member Majlis Al-Ulama providing scholarly oversight. Its service portfolio spans religious coordination (Kadhi appointments, mediation, fatwas), Islamic education (IPLE, Idaad, and Thanawi examination systems reaching 7,759 candidates across 450 centres in 2025), Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage management, Halal certification and the Halal Farmers Centre agricultural-input network, Sharia-compliant financial services (Muslim Women SACCOs and a planned National Muslim Microfinance Bank), Zakat/Sadaqa collection and distribution, and Awqaaf (endowment) management. Operating subsidiaries include Radio Bilal FM 94.1, the Islamic Call University College, the Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau, and UMSC Bilal FC.

UMSC's operating model is community-led rather than commercial. Funding flows from multiple streams: Presidential grants (UGX 2 billion in circulation through SACCOs with an additional UGX 20 billion committed), charitable giving channeled through the Zakat department, Hajj service fees, examination fees, tuition from Islamic Call University College, partnership support from international Muslim organizations such as Munazzamat Al-Dawa Al-Islamiyya (40+ year partnership), the Muslim World League, and Istiqaama International, plus revenue from Radio Bilal FM and Halal Farmers Centres (in partnership with Matugga Industries). Recent product and digital initiatives — including the UMSC360 mobile application (June 2026) and a Digital Ecosystem Management System for SACCOs (April 2026) — indicate a deliberate digitization of administrative and community-facing services.

Leadership has been anchored since 2000 by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti of Uganda and Chair of the African Forum for Muslim Councils (AFMC, 40+ member countries). UMSC is governed under a Constitution amended in 2022 and a 2023-2033 Strategic Plan, and is structurally and operationally independent, with no parent company, investors, or shareholders. Recent strategic direction emphasizes geographic expansion (creation of four new Muslim Districts in May 2026), financial deepening (microfinance policy guide, Muslim Microfinance Bank vision), faith-tourism development (PSFU partnership), and modernized governance (revised HR Manual and Retirement Policy).

Name

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council

Legal name

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council

Website

https://umsc.or.ug

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is the constitutionally recognized apex religious body for Uganda's Muslims, coordinating Islamic affairs through a hierarchy of 10 regions and 87+ districts, and providing Hajj services, Islamic education, Halal certification, Zakat collection, and Sharia-compliant microfinance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Organization Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (81311)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Hajj & Umrah Travel Agencies (THAKAHAA)

Keywords

• Religious administration services
• Islamic education examinations
• Hajj umrah coordination
• Halal certification services
• Sharia compliant microfinance

Headquarters

HQ city

Kampala

HQ country

Uganda

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. SACCO and Microfinance Services: UMSC manages Sharia-compliant Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) for Muslim women and communities, with Presidential grants of UGX 2 billion in circulation and plans for UGX 20 billion additional funding. The organization is developing a Microfinance Policy Guide to standardize and promote Sharia-compliant financial frameworks.
2. Halal Farmers Centres: UMSC operates Halal Farmers Centres providing certified agricultural and livestock inputs to Muslim farmers. The second centre was launched in partnership with Matugga Industries, with plans to establish facilities in 87 Muslim districts across the country.
3. Hajj and Umrah Services: UMSC organizes, supervises, and coordinates pilgrimage activities for Ugandan Muslims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. The department handles registration, verification, coordination with Saudi authorities, accreditation of travel agents, and pre-Hajj training seminars.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is the constitutionally recognized apex religious body for Muslims in Uganda, coordinating Islamic affairs, religious education, and community welfare. It delivers a portfolio of services including Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage coordination, Islamic examinations (IPLE, Idaad, Thanawi), Halal Farmers Centres, Sharia-compliant SACCO microfinance, Zakat and Sadaqa collection, Awqaaf (endowment) management, and religious broadcasting through Radio Bilal FM 94.1 and the UMSC360 mobile app.

Product overview

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council operates as an apex religious and administrative organization governing Muslim affairs in Uganda. The portfolio consists of multiple service offerings including religious coordination services (through the Religious Affairs Department), educational examination systems (IPLE, Idaad, and Thanawi), Haj and Umrah pilgrimage management, Halal Farmers Centres for agricultural certification, Radio Bilal FM broadcasting, the UMSC360 mobile application, and the Islamic Call University College. Additional services include Zakat/Sadaqa collection, Muslim Women SACCO microfinance programs, and Awqaaf (endowment) management. These offerings are interconnected through the central administrative structure at Old Kampala headquarters, with the Religious Affairs Department coordinating at regional, district, county, and mosque levels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Radio Bilal FM 94.1: Radio station operated by UMSC for Islamic broadcasts and community programming
• Islamic Call University College (ICUC)
• UMSC Bilal FC
• UMSC360
• Halal Farmers Centre
• UMSC Zakat

Products and services

• UMSC360 Mobile App Mobile application enabling Muslim community members in Uganda to stay connected with UMSC activities, news, and updates. Available for download via umsc360.com.
• Radio Bilal FM 94.1 Islamic radio station operated by UMSC for broadcasting religious content, news, and community information to Muslim audiences across Uganda.
• Islamic Primary Leaving Examinations (IPLE) Standardized Islamic primary leaving examination system administered by UMSC for Muslim students across Uganda, covering Quran, Fiqh, Lugha, and Tarbia subjects. 7,759 candidates registered in 2025 across 450 centres with 5,287 first-grade achievers.
• Idaad and Thanawi Examinations Islamic education certification examinations at Idaad (intermediate) and Thanawi (advanced) levels, administered by UMSC to assess students in Islamic studies.
• Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Services Organizes, supervises, and coordinates pilgrimage activities for Ugandan Muslims traveling to Makkah and Madinah, including registration, verification, coordination with Saudi authorities, accreditation of travel agents, and pre-Hajj training seminars.
• Halal Farmers Centre Agricultural input centers providing certified farm inputs, livestock supplies, and advisory services to Muslim farmers, operated in partnership with Matugga Industries. Centres launched in Arua, Adjumani, Moyo, and Old Kampala with national expansion plans.
• Religious Affairs Coordination Services Coordinates, guides, and strengthens Muslim religious affairs across all levels of UMSC structure (regions, districts, counties, mosques), including records management of religious leaders and advisory role in appointments of Imams, Sheikhs, and Kadhis.
• Scholarship and Bursary Services Education department securing scholarships and half bursaries for academically exceptional but financially disadvantaged learners in nursing, midwifery, clinical medicine, and education programs.
• Islamic Call University College (ICUC) Higher education institution located at Old Kampala, Gaddafi National Mosque, offering Bachelor's degrees in Islamic Studies, Sharia, Education, Business Administration, Islamic Banking and Finance, IT, Mass Communication, and Tourism, plus diploma and certificate programs.
• Muslim Women SACCO Microfinance Sharia-compliant Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations established for Muslim women with Presidential grant support of UGX 2 billion initially in circulation, with UGX 20 billion additional funding pledged. Operated under a developing Microfinance Policy Guide for unified Sharia-compliant framework.
• Zakat and Sadaqa Collection and Distribution Charitable giving services including collection and distribution of Zakat (obligatory alms) and Sadaqa (voluntary charity) to support less privileged Muslim communities, operated via umsczakat.com.
• Awqaaf and Endowments Management Management of Islamic endowments and trust properties for sustainable funding of mosque activities and community development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,759 students registered for Islamic Primary Leaving Examinations (IPLE) across 450 centres
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Munazzamat Al-Dawa Al-IslamiyyacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026International Muslim charitable organization headquartered in Khartoum, Sudan, with over 40-year partnership with UMSC. Has implemented numerous development projects including construction of educational centres, mosques, boreholes for safe water, and health facilities across Uganda. Newly appointed Chairman of Board of Trustees is former Qatar Ambassador H.E. Ali bin Hassan Abdallah Al-Hammad.
• Matugga Industries & Logistics HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Strategic partnership to establish Halal Farmers Centres in 87 Muslim districts across Uganda. Matugga Industries provides certified agricultural and livestock inputs through UMSC outlets, with Executive Director Fiona Miggade Kitaka leading technical operations. Initiative aims to provide farmers with genuine inputs and protect them from counterfeit products.
• Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Apex body bringing together business associations and corporate entities. Executive Director Stephen Asiimwe visited Mufti to explore collaboration in areas including developing Islamic historical sites for religious tourism, commemorating 200 years of Islam in Uganda, business exhibitions, and capacity building for youth and women. MoU signing planned.
• Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUMSC Education Department maintains strong partnership with MoES to improve education standards and support Muslim-founded institutions. Collaboration includes school inspections, examination administration, and educational quality assurance.
• Islamic Welfare Trust (UK)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK-based charity organization of Muslim social workers led by Secretary General Brother Mohammed Yasin. Visitors included former Mayor of Banbury Town Fiaz Ahmed. Provides support to less privileged community members in collaboration with One UMMAH Foundation.
• Islamic Call University College (ICUC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated at Old Kampala at Gaddafi National Mosque. Offers various bachelor's, diploma, and certificate programs including Islamic Studies, Sharia, Education, Business Administration, and IT. UMSC manages and oversees this higher education institution.
• Team UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated at Kabaka Anjagala Road near Kabaka Anjagala Roundabout. Partner university offering health sciences programs including nursing, midwifery, clinical medicine, and medical laboratory. UMSC Education Department facilitates student placements.
• Avance International UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in Nabweru, Nansana Municipality. Partner university offering programs across multiple faculties including Science, Law, Engineering, Education, Business, and Computing. UMSC facilitates student placements.
• One UMMAH FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUgandan partner organization of Islamic Welfare Trust (UK), led by Country Director Hajjat Shania Kigozi. Collaborates on charitable activities and community development initiatives.
• Muslim World League (MWL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization led by Secretary General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdu-Karim Al Issa. Honored Uganda's 2nd Deputy Mufti Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya at international ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda. MWL supports Quran memorization programs and Islamic education worldwide.
• Ministry of ICT & National GuidanceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry that organized Iftar dinner for Muslim staff. UMSC Secretary General attended as Chief Guest, highlighting cooperation and inclusivity extended to the Muslim community. Minister Chris Baryomunsi leads the ministry.
• Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulatory body for communications in Uganda. Works with UMSC to ensure media outlets including Radio Bilal FM and other faith-based media can reach the public with structured messages.
• Istiqaama InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable organization based in Oman, led by Mr. Nasser Mohammed Ali Al-Haroon. Has supported development initiatives in East Africa including construction of mosques, schools, and boreholes. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through exchange visits.
• African Forum for Muslim Councils (AFMC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinental body bringing together Muslim councils from over 40 countries. UMSC Mufti Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje serves as Chair. Hosted AFMC meeting in Kampala in January 2026 with 40 Muftis in attendance.
• Bugembe Islamic InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneer Islamic theological institution in Uganda where Mufti Mubaje studied. Established first Holy Quran Memorization Centre (Tahafidhu) that restored proper methods of Quranic teaching in the Muslim community.
• Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUMSC-affiliated organization providing Muslim medical services. Listed as a project under UMSC structure.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• South African Muslim Judicial Council (MJC): The MJC is a national Muslim coordinating body in South Africa handling religious arbitration, education, and community welfare. Comparable to UMSC's mediation services, religious affairs coordination, and structured engagement with national authorities.
• Baraza Kuu la Waislamu Tanzania (BAKWATA): BAKWATA is the national Muslim council of Tanzania, the closest geographic and structural peer to UMSC. Both are constitutionally recognized apex bodies coordinating Hajj, Islamic education, and religious affairs across district structures in East Africa.
• Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS): MUIS is Singapore's statutory Islamic body managing Muslim religious affairs, education, and Hajj services. Comparable to UMSC in administering Hajj pilgrimages, religious education, mosque coordination, and acting as a regulatory interface between the state and Muslim community.
• Muslim Council of Britain (MCB): MCB is a UK-wide umbrella body for Muslim organizations, structurally similar to UMSC in its role as the central coordinating council for Muslim communities. Both serve as the primary representative voice for Muslims in their respective national contexts.
• All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB): AIMPLB is a non-governmental body in India representing Muslim personal law and community affairs. Comparable to UMSC in its quasi-constitutional role coordinating Muslim affairs, mediating community disputes, and operating educational and welfare arms independent of direct state ownership.
• Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs: The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is the apex Muslim body in Nigeria, comparable to UMSC in its national coordinating role, constitutional recognition, and provision of Hajj services, Islamic education oversight, and Sharia governance advisory functions.
• Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM): SUPKEM is the apex Muslim body in Kenya, structurally analogous to UMSC as a national umbrella organization coordinating Islamic affairs across regions and districts. Both serve as the official interlocutor between Muslim communities and national governments in East Africa.

Regional players

• Islamic Supreme Council of America: Islamic Supreme Council of America is a US-based national Islamic coordinating body. Comparable to UMSC in its apex coordinating role for a national Muslim community, though operating in a different regulatory and demographic context than Uganda.

Others

• Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI):

Broad incumbents

• Muslim Council of Elders: The Muslim Council of Elders, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is an international Islamic body promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. While operating globally rather than nationally like UMSC, it is comparable in convening authority, scholarly composition, and partnership relationships with UMSC's Mufti.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/umsc_1972
• Facebookfacebook.com/umscmajilis1972
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uganda-muslim-supreme-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Uganda Muslim Supreme Council