Security tight as Muslims celebrate Eid

Security has been tightened in most parts of the country as Muslims in Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Sunday.
In Uganda, the Muslim believers across the country thronged different mosques for prayers as part of the celebrations.

Anti-terrorism police patrolling Kampala streets as Muslims celebrated Eid on Sunday. Photo by Alex Esagala

During prayers at Old Kampala Mosque, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, urged Muslim believers not to mix politics with Islam.
He was referring to an incident in which six foreign pilgrims were hurt on Friday in Saudi Arabia when a suicide bomber targeting Islam's holiest site of Mecca blew himself up.
The incident happened around the Grand Mosque, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered for early afternoon prayers on the last Friday of this year's Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month.


Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received the first revelation of the Holy Quran during this month. The exact date of Eid depends on a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations.

Muslim faith eating pilau shortly after the Eid prayers at Spidiqa foundation mosque in Kisenyi, Kampala. Photo by Alex Esagala


The time when Eid starts also depends on where you are in the world, and when the new moon is seen. Also known as Eid al-Fitr or Ramadan-Id, it is celebrated by Muslims all over the world, towards the end of the month of Ramadan.

A young Muslim believer feasts on Pilau shortly after Eid al-Fitr prayers at Spidiqa foundation mosque in Kisenyi, Kampala. Photo by Alex Esagala


Muslims look forward to Eid al-Fitr as an occasion of peace, happiness, joy, and festivity. It's a day for special prayers and an extension of forgiveness and generosity. The day brings people together as the festival celebrates togetherness and encourages fellowship.