The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, through the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, announced that Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on Friday, 6th June, 2025.
A Celebration of Faith in Uganda: Eid Al-Adha
Eid in Uganda is ushered in with the question, ‘When is Eid?’, charged with anticipation.
As the crescent moon emerges, marking the arrival of Eid Al-Adha, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ for Muslims around the world, the resounding call of “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) erupts from mosques across the country. A spirit of joyous celebration fills the air, honouring Prophet Ibrahim’s great faith in Allah.
And the day dawns bright.
Mosques across Uganda come alive. Streets teeming with Muslims, neatly dressed in white Kanzus and Sharia dresses, each carrying a mat. It’s ‘Iddi’! Depending on the crowd size, the faithful gather within the mosque walls or in open fields, a tradition echoing the early days of Islamic faith.
Imams lead the morning prayers with their voices rising above the murmur of the faithful. Long lines of Muslims, bathed in the morning light, bow and prostrate in unison, a powerful display of collective faith.
This joyous occasion centres around a symbolic act, the sacrifice of an animal. After the prayers, as the day serves as a powerful reminder of Ibrahim’s willingness to submit entirely to Allah’s command, choice sheep, goats, and cows are slaughtered, and the meat is divided into three parts; One portion to nourish the family, another to be shared with friends, while the final third finds its way to those less fortunate. This act of sharing embodies the true essence of Eid Al-Adha: compassion and community.
As the afternoon sun climbs higher, the spirit of celebration takes centre stage. The atmosphere hums with the savoury promise of a feast. The sacrificial meat is being prepared alongside traditional Ugandan dishes, a culinary tapestry of flavours. Laughter and lively chatter mingle with the sizzle of spices hitting hot oil as families and friends gather to celebrate. Excitement stirs as invitations take flight, a continuous stream of phone notifications, voice calls, and laughter ripples through the streets, inviting neighbours to the feast.
For Muslims in Uganda and beyond, Eid Al-Adha goes beyond mere celebrations; it is a time for reflection. On this day, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to Allah and the fundamental principles of Islam. They meditate, not in a yoga sense, on the story of Ibrahim, drawing strength from his deep faith in Allah.
This period also nurtures a strong sense of community. Visits to extended families and friends become the order of the day. Homes open wide, embracing loved ones and even non-Muslim acquaintances to share this joyous spirit. The festivities become a melting pot of cultures, a testament to the inclusivity of Eid Al-Adha.
Charity, another cornerstone of celebrating Eid in Uganda. Muslims generously donate money, food, and essential items to those in need. This outpouring of compassion reflects the core message of Eid Al-Adha: to extend a helping hand and strengthen the bonds within the community.
Eid Al-Adha, declared a national holiday, allows Ugandans to fully take part in the festivities. Businesses and government offices close, and schools often break for a day or two, extending the celebration.
Summary: How Eid Al-Adha is Celebrated in Uganda
With faith, Eid Al-Adha in Uganda is celebrated through prayer, sacrifice, food, and acts of generosity. Eid Mubarak!
