News
Animal shortage forces scaled-down Eid festivities in Gulu city
At Gulu Main Mosque, children lingered hopefully near the mosque compound after prayers, waiting to see whether any meat would be distributed. For many vulnerable households, Eid meat is often the only opportunity in months to enjoy a nutritious meal shared with family and neighbours.
Muslim faithful in Gulu city praying during the celebrations of Eid al-Adha. (Photo by Ismail Jacob Jones)
By: Ismael Jacob Jones and Christopher Nyeko, Journalists @New Vision
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As dawn broke over Gulu city on Eid al-Adha morning, hundreds of Muslim faithful streamed into mosques dressed in brightly coloured robes and headscarves, exchanging warm greetings and prayers.
But behind the smiles and celebrations lay a painful reality. Many families would return home without the traditional meat that defines one of Islam’s holiest festivals.
At Gulu Main Mosque, children lingered hopefully near the mosque compound after prayers, waiting to see whether any meat would be distributed. For many vulnerable households, Eid meat is often the only opportunity in months to enjoy a nutritious meal shared with family and neighbours.
This year, however, the celebrations were overshadowed by a severe shortage of animals for sacrifice.
Hundreds of Muslim faithful in Gulu city streamed into mosques dressed in brightly coloured robes and headscarves for Eid al-Adha prayers. (Photo by Ismail Jacob Jones)
According to Sheikh Ismail Ali Omona, the imam at Gulu Main Mosque, the Muslim community had planned to secure about 40 cows for Eid celebrations but managed to obtain only 10.
“This is the second consecutive year that the Muslim community in Gulu has faced a shortage of animals for the celebration,” Sheikh Omona said.
Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The festival is traditionally marked by the slaughter of cows, goats and sheep, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours and the poor.
However, in many parts of Uganda, rising fuel prices and economic hardship have sharply increased livestock prices, making animals unaffordable for many Muslims already struggling with the high cost of living.
For widows, casual labourers and low-income families in Gulu, the shortages turned what is usually a joyful celebration into a day of uncertainty.
“At least in previous years, every household could expect a small portion of meat,” said a worshipper outside the mosque. “This time, many people went home empty-handed.”
Sheikh Omona explained that delayed support from donors worsened the situation. Some organisations reportedly require animals to be gathered and photographed before releasing funds, slowing down procurement at a time when livestock prices continue to rise.
“Direct Aid is one of our supporters, but they have yet to deliver animals for this year’s festival. We are still waiting,” he said.
The delays meant several communities, including worshippers at a mosque in Pece, missed out on meat distribution altogether.
“This year, we managed to slaughter only one sheep bought by an individual donor,” Sheikh Omona added. “In previous years, we could at least access some sheep, but this year has been extremely difficult.”
Despite the hardships, many residents tried to preserve the spirit of Eid by sharing whatever little they had.
However, in many parts of Uganda, rising fuel prices and economic hardship have sharply increased livestock prices, making animals unaffordable for many Muslims already struggling with the high cost of living.
For widows, casual labourers and low-income families in Gulu, the shortages turned what is usually a joyful celebration into a day of uncertainty.
“At least in previous years, every household could expect a small portion of meat,” said a worshipper outside the mosque. “This time, many people went home empty-handed.”
Sheikh Omona explained that delayed support from donors worsened the situation. Some organisations reportedly require animals to be gathered and photographed before releasing funds, slowing down procurement at a time when livestock prices continue to rise.
“Direct Aid is one of our supporters, but they have yet to deliver animals for this year’s festival. We are still waiting,” he said.
The delays meant several communities, including worshippers at a mosque in Pece, missed out on meat distribution altogether.
“This year, we managed to slaughter only one sheep bought by an individual donor,” Sheikh Omona added. “In previous years, we could at least access some sheep, but this year has been extremely difficult.”
Despite the hardships, many residents tried to preserve the spirit of Eid by sharing whatever little they had.
In Kanyagoga, in Bardege-Layibi Division, volunteers and local leaders worked together to distribute meat after 17 goats were slaughtered to feed more than 1,000 residents.
Long queues formed as women carrying saucepans and children clutching plastic containers waited patiently for their share.
More than 460 worshippers attended Eid prayers at Gulu Main Mosque, a turnout leaders said was higher than last year despite the economic difficulties.
Sheikh Omona praised the Volunteer Action Network for donating cows to support vulnerable communities in Kanyagoga.
“The arrival of this organisation alleviated some pressure on me, as people tend to blame mosque leadership during times of scarcity,” he said.
Religious leaders used the occasion to urge unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
A message from Khadi Muzamil Ismail, delivered by Onduga Mahfuz Musa during prayers at Gulu public playground, encouraged Muslims to maintain hygiene and continue observing Ministry of Health measures against Ebola.
The leaders also warned against hatred and tribalism, urging communities to stand together during difficult economic times.
Even amid the shortages, many Muslims in Gulu said the true meaning of Eid remained alive through sacrifice, compassion and sharing with others, no matter how little one has.
Long queues formed as women carrying saucepans and children clutching plastic containers waited patiently for their share.
More than 460 worshippers attended Eid prayers at Gulu Main Mosque, a turnout leaders said was higher than last year despite the economic difficulties.
Sheikh Omona praised the Volunteer Action Network for donating cows to support vulnerable communities in Kanyagoga.
“The arrival of this organisation alleviated some pressure on me, as people tend to blame mosque leadership during times of scarcity,” he said.
Religious leaders used the occasion to urge unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
A message from Khadi Muzamil Ismail, delivered by Onduga Mahfuz Musa during prayers at Gulu public playground, encouraged Muslims to maintain hygiene and continue observing Ministry of Health measures against Ebola.
The leaders also warned against hatred and tribalism, urging communities to stand together during difficult economic times.
Even amid the shortages, many Muslims in Gulu said the true meaning of Eid remained alive through sacrifice, compassion and sharing with others, no matter how little one has.