Thousands of Muslims across Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, with prayers and messages centered on faith, sacrifice, unity and better management of Hajj affairs.
The national Eid prayers were held at the Uganda National Mosque in Old Kampala and were led by Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who urged believers to emulate the obedience, humility and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
In his sermon, the Mufti reminded Muslims that the occasion is not only about celebration but also about strengthening faith and helping the needy through acts of sacrifice and charity.
“Allah replaced the intended sacrifice with an animal, making it a tradition for believers who have the means to slaughter animals and distribute the meat among family members, the less privileged and needy communities,” Mufti Mubaje said.
The celebrations coincided with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where millions of Muslims are currently performing pilgrimage rituals at the holy sites.
Mufti Mubaje commended international donors and charitable organizations, particularly from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, for supporting annual animal slaughter programs that benefit vulnerable communities regardless of religion or social background.
“I also implore Ugandan Muslims to adopt a new mindset and begin rearing their own animals so that they can also offer sacrifices and attain divine rewards, just as donors do,” he added.
The Mufti also raised concern over persistent challenges in the management of Hajj affairs in Uganda, saying many intending pilgrims continue to suffer despite making full payments for the pilgrimage.
He accused some private Hajj companies of commercializing the sacred journey and undermining its spiritual value.
“These challenges have for long affected intending pilgrims who make full payments but are unable to travel,” he noted, adding that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council was working to strengthen oversight and restore confidence in Hajj management.
He, however, acknowledged improvements in the sector, including reduced Hajj costs compared to previous years, and pledged continued engagement with the government to further streamline the pilgrimage process.
While thanking the President for appointing Muslims to senior government positions, the Mufti appealed for increased representation of Muslims in public service and urged Muslim leaders in government to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community.
The Mufti also commended the Government and people of Pakistan for their mediation efforts in ongoing regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
