Cabinet appointments, Ebola prevention measures, and the fight against corruption dominated yesterday’s Idd -ul Adhuha messages.
Muslim leaders and worshippers used the occasion to reflect on governance, social responsibility, and national development.
The Kabale Muslim District Council Chairperson, Issa Tindyebwa, hailed President Yoweri Museveni for appointing eight Muslims to the new Cabinet from across the country, as well as seven ministers from the Kigezi region.
Tindyebwa said the appointments reflect the President’s recognition of the Muslim community’s contribution to national development.
He also urged the faithful to observe the standard operating procedures to avoid contracting Ebola.
The Idd-ul-Adhuha prayers in Kabale were led by the District Kadhi, Sheikh Kabu Lule, and his deputy, Sheikh Ibrahim Byomuhangi, who urged Muslim to prioritise their children’s education.
In Busoga Sub-region, Muslims pledged to stand with President Museveni in the fight against corruption, adding that the vice significantly undermining Uganda’s development.
Speaking during Idd prayers at King Faisal Mosque in Jinja City, Hussein Mohamed Bowa, the Busoga regional kadhi, said: ‘Corruption is not supported by Islamic teachings.
We hear the President’s call and are ready to join him in this fight. Communities must stop hiding money and resources meant for public service.’
Mr Salim Komakech, the Jinja Resident City Commissioner, echoed Kadhi’s concerns, pointing out that corruption and land grabbing remain pressing issues in the city. He encouraged residents to report land grabbing and corruption cases.
Dr Bowa also Komakech also urged the public to take advantage of government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model to improve their livelihoods.
Kamuli District Kadhi Ismail Kazibwe urged the faithful to uphold peace, Islamic values, and observe hygiene and Ebola prevention measures.
The Bunyoro District Kadhi, Sheikh Mugenyi Rajab Akiiki, urged Muslims to shun corruption, saying it hinders effective delivery of social services.
Masindi Muslim youth leader, Muzamil Bagire, encouraged young people to lead the fight against corruption.
‘The youth must reject corruption because it hinders Uganda’s progress and development. We should also demand transparency from leadership to build a better future,’ he said.
The General Manager and Peer of IQra Association for Dawa and Development in Mbarara, Sheikh Omar Ssebalamu, called upon the newly appointed Cabinet ministers to prioritise effective service delivery and uphold accountability.
He also urged the ministers to work closely with President Museveni to address insecurity, saying peace and development cannot exist without security.
In Sororti District, hundreds of Muslims gathered at Swaria Primary School for the celebrations. Leading the celebrations, Sheikh Yusuf Okiror reminded Muslims that Idd -ul Adhuha is centred on sacrifice and helping those in need.
‘It reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, showing that all we have comes from Allah,’ Sheikh Okiror said.
He also urged Muslims to help the needy. Meanwhile, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the Teso and Karamoja Regional Mufti, encouraged Muslims to fulfil the spiritual practice of slaughtering animals as a sign of faith and obedience.
He also emphasised the importance of consultation within families, saying many domestic conflicts arise due to poor communication and decision-making.
‘The value of consultation in a family is very important. When making a decision, a man should consult others so that ideas can be reshaped for the better,’ Sheikh Obilan said.
He called upon Muslims to hold regular family meetings to address misunderstandings before they escalate into serious conflicts.
In Tororo District, the District Kadhi, Sheikh Nasur Koire Abdul Malik, urged the Muslim community to embrace unity, peace and repentance during Idd-ul-Adhuha celebrations held at Tororo Main Mosque.
Sheikh Koire urged Muslims to distance themselves from agents of hatred and disunity and reflect on the holiday’s message of sacrifice, forgiveness and moral renewal.
‘Idd -ul Adhuha reminds us that true strength lies in compassion and togetherness,’ Sheikh Koire said, as he encouraged Muslims to promote reconciliation within families and communities through dialogue and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner, Sadik Bategana, urged Muslims to embrace government programmes aimed at fighting disease, ignorance and poverty.
He also appealed to Muslim leaders to establish programmes targeting youth and families, with emphasis on ethical responsibility, repentance and spiritual growth.
Tororo Municipality Mayor Bernard Ochieng called for peaceful coexistence, urging communities to resolve grievances through dialogue rather than violence.
In Mbale City, hundreds of Muslims gathered at the Supreme Grounds in Maluku for the prayers.
Muslim clerics called for unity among the faithful and urged government to intensify the fight against corruption and misuse of public resources.
In Luweero District, the faithful gathered at Luweero Muslim District Mosque where District Kadhi Sheikh Ramathan Mulindwa urged them to support the anti-corruption campaign and engage in income-generating activities.
In Masaka District, Idd prayers were held at Masaka Golf Course grounds, where Sheikh Adam Ssenjala urged worshippers to embrace unity and hard work, saying: ‘We should always strive to understand and practice the true teachings of Islam.’
In Kalangala District, leaders called for unity and respect for authority during prayers at Kanyogoga grounds. Sheikh Sahad Ssegaabwe cautioned against abusive language towards leaders.