Several Muslims gathered at the Ntungamo Muslim Headquarters Main Mosque in Ntungamo Municipality for Eid al-Adhuha prayers, where religious leaders called on believers to remain loyal to Allah and embrace genuine sacrifice as part of the spiritual significance of the celebration.
The leaders reminded worshippers that Eid al-Adhuha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, urging Muslims to demonstrate faithfulness and commitment even during difficult times.
“As early as 9am, Muslims gathered for prayers and reflection on sacrifice and obedience to Allah,” religious leaders said during the celebrations.
Sheikh Ashraf Sharif Mukibi challenged believers to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, especially through giving from what God has blessed them with.
“Allah has given you livestock. How do you show your belief in God on such a day if you can't sacrifice one of your animals,” he said.
This year’s celebrations, however, were overshadowed by the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) quarantine that has halted livestock movement and trade across Ntungamo District, disrupting the traditional slaughtering of animals during Eid festivities.
Religious leaders said the crisis should serve as a reminder about obedience, patience and remaining faithful during challenging moments, including disease outbreaks such as FMD and Ebola.
Muslim leaders also appealed to government to reduce the cost of FMD vaccines to help farmers contain and eradicate the disease.
Ntungamo District Kadhi Sheikh Swaleh Kashangirwe said the quarantine had greatly affected Muslims who intended to perform animal sacrifices during Eid.
“As Ntungamo, we have made our prayers amid challenges like FMD. We are part of those who are going to slaughter animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim for his heart of sacrifice with his son Ishmael. We are not able because of this big test God has put before us of FMD,” Kashangirwe said.
“As the whole district we are affected. However, we have found out the FMD vaccine is costly,” he added.
Despite the district-wide restrictions, 15 cows were slaughtered at Kibeho under district veterinary guidelines after being donated by the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency as charity support for vulnerable Muslims and other stakeholders during the Eid celebrations.
Murshid Kaliisa, a mentor at the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, said the initiative was intended to support communities and spread joy during the celebrations.
“Part of the work we do is to make sure that we spread smiles on the faces of the people,” Kaliisa said.
Leaders also raised concerns over ongoing land disputes involving the National Forestry Authority concerning land where the main mosque stands in Ntungamo Municipality.
Kashangirwe called on government to intervene and resolve the conflict, saying the dispute was affecting peace within the Muslim community.
“Secondly, we have land issues with NFA here where the headquarters mosque is. We ask the government to intervene, we are not at peace,” he said.
With schools already open for the second term, parents were also urged to celebrate responsibly and prioritise school requirements for their children instead of overspending on festivities.