Kampala, Uganda: The Muslim community in Uganda will celebrate this year’s Eid ul-Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026, after the new crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan was not sighted on Wednesday evening.
The announcement was made by Dr Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, who said the decision aligns with Islamic teachings on moon sighting that determine the conclusion of the fasting month.
“I would like to inform the Muslim fraternity and the wider public in Uganda that the new moon has not been sighted this evening. Therefore, Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday,” Dr Lubanga said.
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset. Depending on the lunar cycle, fasting may last either 29 or 30 days.
According to the statement, National Eid prayers will be held at the Gaddafi National Mosque in Kampala starting at 9:00 am and will be led by the Grand Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje.
At Kibuli Mosque, prayers will begin at 10:00 am under the leadership of Dr Abdul Hafiz Walusimbi, representing the Kibuli-based Muslim administration.
This year’s Eid falls on a Friday, and Islamic guidance allows Muslims who attend Eid prayers in the morning to be exempted from the weekly Juma (Friday) prayers, although they are required to observe the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer.
Dr Lubanga urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, noting that this year’s Eid comes at a time when several parts of the world are experiencing conflict.
“This year’s Eid has come at a time when our brothers and sisters in some countries are trapped in wars. Let us pray for them and for peace in the whole world,” he said, referencing countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Palestine.
Eid ul-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a day of celebration, charity, and gratitude after a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
Muslims are encouraged to begin the day with early morning prayers, partake in meals before heading to the mosque, and give Zakat al-Fitr — a mandatory form of charity meant to purify the fast and support those in need.
The day also marks the beginning of preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which culminates in Eid al-Adha approximately 70 days later.
As Muslims across Uganda prepare to mark the occasion, leaders have called for unity, compassion, and generosity in celebration.
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