The public service ministry on Thursday clarified to the public regarding the observation of Eid-Al-Fitr as a public holiday on Friday.

The ministry had earlier in the day announced Friday, April 21, as a public holiday to allow Muslims to host the Idd celebrations. 

However, following a letter to the ministry from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) regarding the celebrations, which are expected to fall on either Friday or Saturday subject to the sighting of the moon, the ministry rescinded the earlier declaration of Friday being a public holiday.

In her letter to information ministry permanent secretary (PS) Aminah Zawedde, Public Service PS Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwire said: "Eid-al-Fitr falls either on the 29th day of  fasting during Ramadan or after fasting 30 days, implying that should the moon be not be sighted on the 29th day, Eid automatically falls on the next day, in this case April 22, 2023".

Following the above communication, Bitarakwate said the Government would, therefore wait for confirmation from UMSC after which an announcement would be made.

"In essence, communication [about Eid Day] is only issued after UMSC confirmation," Bitarakwate said in a stetment copied to Mufti of Uganda, Uganda Media Centre executive director and chief news editor Uganda Broadcasting Corporation.