More than 200 Ugandan Muslims have been left in deep shock and spiritual distress after they were suddenly locked out of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage , all because Saudi Arabia abruptly closed visa processing on May 25, 2025.
The blow was confirmed in a somber letter dated May 27 from the Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs, which admitted that desperate efforts to secure last-minute visas for the stranded pilgrims “all failed.”
“This is regrettable. We tried all avenues to secure them [visas] but in vain,” confessed Secretary General Hussein Twaib Bogere.
With emotions running high, the Bureau has issued a strict warning to group leaders and affected Muslims:
“Do not attempt to travel without a valid visa.” They say unauthorized attempts could cause chaos at Entebbe International Airport and might even land some in legal trouble.
Ethiopian Airlines, one of the main Hajj carriers for Uganda, has slapped an extra $153 per head on the remaining passengers. Because the passenger list dropped from 534 to just 425 after 109 hopefuls had their visas denied.
In a letter to Bureau Chairman Sheikh Zakaria Kyewalyanga, Ethiopian Airlines’ Uganda Area Manager Bethlehem Fisseha cited “operational charter shortfalls” for the new charges and begged leaders to help collect the balance.
“We kindly request your assistance in collecting the additional amount,” wrote Fisseha.
On top of the heartbreak and financial burden, the Bureau is also warning about airport fraudsters. Conmen posing as helpers have reportedly been seen trying to exploit desperate pilgrims.
To restore order, the Bureau is urging Hajj leaders to stick with official coordinators only and not to take chances with anyone claiming to “help” at the last minute.
While hundreds are still coming to terms with the disappointment, the Bureau extended heartfelt blessings to those lucky enough to secure valid visas.
“We pray for an accepted pilgrimage (Hajj Mabruur),” the statement concluded.
