Eid Al – Fitr Celebrations Begin Today for Shia Muslims in Uganda

By Skika  Reporter 

Shia Muslims in Uganda are today, Saturday, March 21, 2026, celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The celebrations follow an announcement by the leader of the Shia Muslim community in Uganda, Hajji Omar Bongo Muwaya, who had earlier confirmed that the faithful would complete their fasting period before observing Eid today.

Bongo, who is also the director of the Ahlul Bait Islamic Foundation in Uganda (ABIFU), explained that the decision was reached after the moon, which determines the end of Ramadan, was not sighted earlier.

“We were not able to confirm the sighting of the moon, which determines the end of the fasting period. Therefore, we continued fasting and are now celebrating Eid today,” he said.

The announcement had been made at the ABIFU headquarters in Buyemba village, Bukatube sub-county, Mayuge District.

According to Bongo, consultations were carried out with Shia counterparts in countries such as Iran, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burundi, all of whom confirmed that the moon had not been sighted at the expected time.

He attributed the delay to unfavourable weather conditions, including persistent rainfall and cloud cover, which made it difficult to observe the moon.

Sheikh Abdul Majidu Ali Oburu, the Imam of Markaz Mosque at the Shia headquarters, said the decision to extend fasting was in line with Islamic teachings.

“It is proper for Muslims to continue fasting when the moon has not been sighted. They followed the correct guidance,” Oburu said.

Although there were earlier unverified reports suggesting that the moon had been sighted, these claims were later withdrawn after verification.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar and is marked by special prayers, charity, and celebrations with family and the wider community.