Examining the Perception of Muslim Community in Uganda on Waqf and its Role on Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the perception of Muslim community in Uganda on Waqf and its socio-economic roles. Based on survey, the findings shows that majority of the respondents are generally aware about Waqf and its roles of on socio-economic development. However, most of the respondents are unaware that Waqf can be created from movable assets such as livestock, agricultural products and financial assets such as cash and corporate shares. Given the facts that the community in Uganda suffers from many socio-economic problems such as poverty, lack of good healthcare services and education it is imperative for religious authority to promote cash and corporate waqf to the Muslim community as they are easy and convenient means to raise fund for socio-economic development. This paper is among the pioneering perhaps in examining the perception of Muslim community in Uganda on Waqf and its socio-economic roles.