Uganda Airlines, for the first time, is set to transport more than 500 Ugandan Muslims to Mecca for the annual Muslim pilgrimage on June 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. East African Time (EAT).
“This year, a total of 500 Muslims from across Uganda will be transported by Uganda Airlines aboard Airbus A330, with the first flight from Entebbe airport to Jeddah,” the Uganda Airlines statement released on June 15, 2023, read.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Edward Katumba Wamala, as well as Muslim leaders, diplomats, and other state officials will preside over the official flag-off ceremony at Entebbe airport, according to the statement.
Uganda Airlines revealed that the operation of the pilgrimage flight is a milestone for the national carrier, being the first Ugandan carrier in over 40 years to perform this holy operation, adding that it is a momentous occasion for pilgrims who will be performing the holy journey using their national carrier.
Pilgrimage (Hajj) is among the five core pillars of Islam, which are regarded as beliefs and practices. The five pillars include Prayer (Salat), Alms (Zakat), and lastly, Pilgrimage.
According to the statement released by Uganda Airlines, pilgrimage is an annual holy journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able must make at least once in their lifetime.
It is also one of the most significant religious journeys for Muslims worldwide, bringing together millions of Muslims from all over the world in Mecca and Medina to perform holy rituals and seek spiritual fulfillment.
The Uganda Airlines authorities revealed that the return flights will be operated from Medina to Entebbe in July 2023.
The main mandate of Uganda Airlines is to offer an unrivaled, memorable traveler experience in a safe, convenient, affordable, reliable, and friendly way.
