Buganda King [Kabaka] Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called on leaders to respect people’s faith, religion and cultural values, saying they remain essential pillars for peace, unity and national development, in an Idd-ul-Adhuha 2026 message delivered ahead of the celebrations.
In his message read by Buganda Information Minister Israel Kitone, the Kabaka thanked Allah for enabling Muslims to reach the holy celebration and prayed for pilgrims who travelled to Mecca and Medina to complete their spiritual journey safely and return with blessings.
He expressed hope that pilgrims who performed Hajj had gained lessons on human development, patriotism and stronger commitment to faith.
The Kabaka said countries that have achieved meaningful development are often anchored on citizens who trust leadership that promotes tolerance, forgiveness, respect for cultural values and equitable sharing of national resources.
He warned that many African countries continue to lag behind due to failure to learn from historical experiences and development models elsewhere, citing greed, intolerance, conflict and hatred as major obstacles to progress.
‘These challenges can be avoided if we genuinely commit ourselves to learning from the development journeys of other nations,’ the monarch said.
He urged Ugandans to use the Idd-ul-Adhuha celebrations to pray for national progress and for leaders to uphold respect for people’s beliefs, religions and cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Mufti of the Kibuli-based Muslim faction, Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi, urged Muslims to strictly observe Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as they prepare for Idd-ul-Adhuha amid concerns over Ebola.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations due on Wednesday, Sheikh Galabuzi warned that the situation remains serious and requires collective responsibility.
‘You should know that the Martyrs Day celebrations were cancelled, and this shows that the pandemic is serious,’ he said.
He urged worshippers to avoid overcrowding, maintain hygiene and follow health guidelines during Idd prayers and family gatherings.
Sheikh Galabuzi also encouraged Muslims with financial capacity to pay Zakah promptly to support vulnerable communities during the festive period.
He announced that Idd prayers will begin at 9am, noting that worshippers will observe fasting before prayers.
Idd-ul-Adhuha, one of Islam’s most significant festivals, is marked by prayers, sacrifice, charity and communal sharing of meals.