Multitudes of Muslim faithful from across the country gathered at the Uganda National Mosque for the first Friday (Juma) congregational prayers of the holy month of Ramadan, led by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje.
Worshippers, dressed in their finest attire, filled both the upper and lower levels of the country’s largest mosque, sitting in orderly rows as they listened to a spiritually uplifting sermon delivered by Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
In his sermon, Sheikh Ssali highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan, emphasizing that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink.
“Fasting is not only about refraining from eating or drinking, but also about guarding all five human senses in the spirit of devotion,” he preached.
He encouraged believers to intensify acts of worship, including recitation of the Holy Quran, personal supplications, and praising Allah in daily activities, while also supporting the less privileged, promoting peace, and strengthening family unity.
Following prayers, Mufti Mubaje met with members of the deaf community, led by Abdu Musoke, who requested greater inclusion in UMSC activities, such as representation on top committees, establishment of a dedicated office, food support during Ramadan, and scholarships for their children.
The Mufti commended their dedication to faith and pledged to provide food packages and present their proposals to UMSC management.
The event marked a spiritually significant start to the first Friday of Ramadan in Uganda, attended by several Muslim leaders across different levels of the community.