Uganda: 1,200 Muslims register to attend Mecca pilgrimage

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - KAMPALA- More than 1,200 Muslims have so far confirmed participation in this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca, with more still registering, the Uganda Umra and Hajj Bureau has said .According to Sheikh Hassan Kirya, the chairperson of the bureau, this year’s number is bigger than the previous years due to the fact that last year, many pilgrims did not travel.Last year, the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Kampala denied pilgrims visas to travel over fears that they would spread Ebola, the deadly haemorrhagic fever which had broken out in some parts of the country, to the holy land.“Preparations for this year are very fruitful and people are very willing to learn all guidelines of Hajj,” said Sheikh Kirya.Sheikh Kirya said unlike the previous year where pilgrims paid Shs7.3 million as travel fares, this year each pilgrim parted with $4800(Shs12 million). The fares include a return ticket, accommodation, medication, meals, and other expenses./129