Teso Muslim leaders urge prayers for Middle East peace
“We need to pray as Muslims and also call upon people of other faiths to pray for peace in the Middle East. As a region, we have been receiving about sh100b to support the purchase of animals, which has benefited many families."
Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan greeting Teso district kadhi Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Obwakit during Eid El-Fitr prayers in Soroti city. (Photos by Godfrey Ojore)
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Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the North Eastern Regional Assistant Mufti, has called on Muslims and Christians still observing fasting to intensify prayers for peace in the Middle East, warning that continued conflict could have far-reaching economic consequences for communities in Teso.
Speaking during Eid el-Fitr prayers at Soroti Sports Ground on Friday (March 20), Obilan said the region risks losing up to sh100b in annual support from Middle Eastern donors. The funds have traditionally helped Muslim families purchase animals for Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.
“We need to pray as Muslims and also call upon people of other faiths to pray for peace in the Middle East. As a region, we have been receiving about sh100b to support the purchase of animals, which has benefited many families."
Obilan warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US as the main actors could force donors to redirect resources to war-affected populations, cutting off vital support to local communities.
“In the event that the war continues, there is a likelihood that this support will not reach our economy, yet many families have depended on it for their welfare."
Countries that have been contributing to this support include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakit, the Teso district kadhi, urged Muslims to uphold family values during the festive season by supporting their parents.
The Soroti East MP-elect Moses Okia Attan (R) sharing a light moment with a fellow Muslim faithful during Eid el-Fitr prayers in Soroti.
“We should show love to our parents by ensuring they have what to eat. Do not celebrate with your wife and leave out your parents,” he advised.
Soroti East MP-elect, Moses Okia Attan, called on Muslim youth to avoid engaging in dubious activities and encouraged parents to provide for their families.
“Maintain the spirit of togetherness, remain peaceful, and love one another."
Some faithful also shared their reflections during the prayers.
One of them, Juma Hassan Nyene, said he has been dedicating his prayers to peace in the Middle East, while another, Fatuma Nalubega, noted that her fasting has been focused on promoting peace both globally and within Uganda.