Yumbe residents miss out on Eid al-adha prayers
"We were still preparing when we heard the Takbir. By the time we arrived, it was already over,” said Samia Bint Juma, a resident of Yumbe town.
A section of Muslims who missed Idd Adhuha prayers at Ssese playgrounds holding individual prayers. (Photos by Adam Gule)
By Adam Gule
Journalists @New Vision
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Several Muslims in Yumbe district were disappointed in the morning after missing the Eid al-adha prayers due to an earlier-than-expected start.
The main prayer ground in the district witnessed an unusual scene as the Imam started the prayers at 8:30 am, catching many worshippers off guard.
Several faithful were still en route or preparing to leave their homes when the prayers commenced.
A lady running to catch up with prayers at Ssese playgrounds in Yumbe. 
The unexpected early start triggered a flurry of activity, with many believers seen running in their fine Eid attire in a desperate attempt to join the prayers.
However, despite their efforts, a significant number were unable to make it in time and had to forgo the congregational prayers.
“It was disappointing. We were still preparing when we heard the Takbir. By the time we arrived, it was already over,” said Samia Bint Juma, a resident of Yumbe town.
Habib Amaku Agaba, another resident of Yumbe town council who only got one rakah of the two rad Adhuha prayers said, it was unfair for the imam to start prayers before people arrived.
"I came driving and I wonder whether those on foot were able to catch up with the prayers. This is unfair and it needs to be corrected next time," he said.
Islamic tradition emphasizes that Eid al-adha prayers are best performed in congregation, and many who missed out chose to stay at home rather than praying individually.
Eid al-adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja, in commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (peace be upon him), in submission to Allah’s command.
While Muslims around the world observe the day with special prayers and the ritual slaughtering of animals, those on pilgrimage in Mecca (Hajj) perform the rite at Mina, a sacred site near Mecca, as part of their religious obligations.
Call for pardon
Sheik Hadad Buni, the Imam of Aringa Secondary School mosque who also served as the program controller for the Idd Adhuha prayers at Ssese playgrounds in Yumbe called for pardon from the Muslims.
He said the prayers were conducted early to give time for the Muslims to perform the ritual of slaughtering animals.
According to Sheik Buni, there was a prior communication to the Muslims through different platforms including radios about the time to perform the Idd Adhuha prayers.
"Even for Juma prayers, some Muslims come late yet everyone knows that Juma prayers start at midday to 1:30 Pm," he said.