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Muslims across Uganda are celebrating Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. The daytime fasting month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk and traditionally gather with family and friends to break their fast in the evening. Ramadan is also a time for prayer, with the faithful converging in large numbers on mosques, especially at night.

In Uganda's east, Muslims in Mbale city made their way to a newly acquired prayer ground but had to do it the hard way by footslogging on a muddy pathway after recent days of rain left the surface soggy.

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In Soroti city, which is also in Uganda's east, Muslims gathered at the Soroti Sports Club grounds for morning prayers.

In his Eid message, the Deputy Khadi of Teso, Sheikh Ramathan Ibrahim Ibwakit, implored the Muslim community of Teso to protect the rights of especially women and children.

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In Gulu, the Muslim community in the Acholi sub-region has been requested to set aside time for prayers five times a day.

Sheikh Ismail Omona, the Imam of the Jamiya Mosque in Gulu City on Wednesday morning delivered the statement during the Eid al-Fitr prayers.

Sheikh Omona urged Muslims to avoid skipping prayers in favour of working and attending to other obligations.

The sheikh underlined that Muslims shouldn't allow their commercial endeavours to interrupt their Islamic beliefs.

Sheikh Mbadi Faraj, the deputy Moffit of the Acholi Muslim district said that Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of sacrifices.

Sheikh Mbadi Faraj, the deputy Moffit of the Acholi Muslim district said that Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of sacrifices.

Sheikh Mbadi appealed to the Muslims to be humble and helpful to others by sharing whatever little one has during this Eid al-Fitr.

He also encouraged them to support the venerable people in the community saying it’s one of the pillars of Islam.

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The Muslim community in Yumbe district converged in huge numbers at Ssese playgrounds to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The prayers were led by Hajji Kassim Abdullah, the Daawa secretary for Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.

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In Wakiso district, some Muslims joined in on the Eid al-Fitr celebrations with prayers at the Wakiso Muslim district headquarters in Kaliiti village, Mende sub-county.

The prayers were led by the district khadi, Sheikh Erias Kigozi, who urged Muslims to remain holy and faithful as they have been throughout the month of Ramadhan fasting.

He also prayed for peace to prevail in Uganda and rallied the faithful to forgive each other, reconcile and repent their sins.

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In Iganga district, hundreds of Muslims converged for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Iganga Municipal Primary School. The prayers were led by the district Khadi Sheikh Sinani Muwanika.

Muwanika urged Muslims to remain peaceful even after the Ramadan fasting season and desist from engaging in bad habits like drunkenness, fornication or adultery which is against the teachings of Islam.

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In Jinja district, Muslims have been cautioned against alcoholism, adultery, murder and robbery. They were cautioned by Bugembe Islamic Institute Principal Sheikh Khatim Nooman Wamala during Eid al-Fitr prayers at Bugembe Stadium in Jinja city's northern division.

Wamala who led the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the fully packed venue, urged Muslims to maintain their holy acts even after the Holy month of Ramadan has ended.

Sheikh Khatim Nooman Wamala (2nd right) arriving for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Bugembe stadium in Jinja city northern division.

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In Kampala City, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje led Eid al-Fitr prayers at Gaddafi Mosque in Old Kampala. He asked Muslims to embrace unity and work together to build their faith and country.

Being Eid celebrations, the mosque attracted a record number of Muslims that filled the mosque and the surrounding area. Some faithful were asked to use the space in the newly constructed lockups near the mosque.