Old Kampala– His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, led thousands of Muslim faithful from all walks of life in marking Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, which commemorates the great act of devotion and humility by Prophet Ibrahim.
The national prayers was at the National Mosque at Old Kampala, Wednesday May 27th 2026.
The event coincides with millions of Muslim pilgrims performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In his Eid sermon, Mufti Mubaje urged Muslims to strengthen their devotion in worship and to emulate the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, including obedience, humility, and love.
During his preaching, the Mufti explained that Allah replaced the intended sacrifice with an animal, making it a tradition for believers who have the means to slaughter animals and distribute the meat among family members, the less privileged, and needy communities.
The Mufti also expressed gratitude to individuals and non-profit charities, particularly from countries such as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, for annually facilitating the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of animals that are distributed to beneficiaries regardless of faith or affiliation. “I also implore Ugandan Muslims to adopt a new mindset and begin rearing their own animals so that they can also offer sacrifices and attain divine rewards, just as donors do,” he advised.
He further echoed concerns previously raised by Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister of Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, and Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, UMSC Secretary General, regarding challenges in the management of Hajj affairs in Uganda. These challenges, he said, have for long affected intending pilgrims who make full payments but are unable to travel.
The Mufti accused some private Hajj companies of commercializing the pilgrimage, thereby undermining its spiritual essence. He noted that UMSC is working to reassert proper oversight to ensure the Hajj is managed with care and satisfaction for all stakeholders.
He also acknowledged some improvements in the sector, including reduced costs compared to previously exorbitant charges, and pledged continued engagement with the Government of Uganda for further improvements.
At the same time, the Mufti expressed concern over the handling of the Presidential Hajj sponsorship offer, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reportedly pledged to sponsor 150 Muslim pilgrims for 2026. He stated that UMSC was instructed to select 65 pilgrims nationwide, but ultimately only 17 managed to travel.
He expressed gratitude to the President for appointing Muslims to high-level positions in government, while also appealing for increased representation. He urged Muslim leaders in government to serve diligently while safeguarding the interests of the Muslim community.
The Mufti also commended the Government and people of Pakistan for their mediating role in the ongoing regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, served as the main preacher for the day.
The celebrations were attended by high-profile dignitaries, including diplomats and UMSC leaders at various levels.
