'Ramadhan is over but we should continue doing good'

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Hundreds of Muslims flocked Kibuli Mosque in Uganda's capital Kampala for Eid el-Fitr prayers as Muslims across the globe celebrated the end of the holy month of Ramadhan on Friday (March 20).

By 8:30am, the mosque was already filled to capacity, with many other people attending from outside.

Speaking before the prayers, the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, urged the believers to uphold the values exhibited during Ramadhan.

Muslims making their way to Kibuli Mosque for Eid el-Fitr prayers. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

He​ also thanked them for supporting the office of the Supreme Mufti, saying a lot has been achieved because of their support.

In his remarks, ​Galabuzi condemned what he described as inhumane eviction of traders from St Balikuddembe Market and implored those in authority to always provide alternative spaces for the traders before evicting them.

“St Balikuddembe Market has always been a market for the poor, and we felt bad when some of the traders were recently evicted in a cruel manner. This should stop because we need each other."

In regard to the raging conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the US as the main actors, Galabuzi called for roundtable discussions to resolve the war, which he described as unnecessary.

“Each of these countries must recognise the existence of the other. Let these countries sit at a round table, rather than killing innocent people." 

Old and young attended the prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Sheikh Ishaq Mutengu, the main preacher, urged the Muslims to uphold the behaviour exhibited during Ramadhan.

“Ramadhan has gone, but we should continue doing good. Let us remain steadfast. If you had stopped boozing, don’t go back to your old ways because if you do so, you would have wasted your fast."

Mutengu also encouraged Muslims to spend the next six months beseeching God to accept their fast because this could be the last Ramadhan for some of them.

He urged politicians aggrieved with the outcomes of the recently concluded general elections to seek God’s guidance.

“If you are a Muslim and among the politicians that were defeated, please accept that it is Allah (God) that decreed. To those who were cheated, make your appeal to the Supreme Court of Allah. He will reward you. This is not the last election."

Mutengu discouraged Muslims who lost the elections from taking their grievances to the courts of law, saying they could end up losing more money while at it.

“Instead of taking your grievances to court, use that money to pay zakat so that God can reward you, rather than wasting it in courts."

He ​urged the winners to serve all people diligently, regardless of their political affiliations, religion or tribe.

Mutengu appealed to Muslims to forgive each other to earn benefits from their fast.

“Ramadhan is about forgiveness, and it is prudent that you forgive each other," he said, also encouraging Muslims to continue with the spirit of supporting the poor and needy exhibited during Ramadhan.

Sheikh Ishaq Mutengu was the main preacher at the Kibuli prayers. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)