Museveni wishes Muslims 'happy, peaceful, joyous' Eid

RELIGION | ISLAM

President Yoweri Museveni has delivered greetings to the Muslim community celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadhan on Sunday.

"I congratulate the Muslim Community upon successful completion of the sacred Month of Ramadhan and wish you Happy Eid-el-Fitir celebrations," his message posted on his Twitter account read.

"Freedom of Worship is among the fundamental human freedoms which this government has provided and ought not be missed in any way.

"God has given us a beautiful country with enormous national resources. The challenge is for us to have the wisdom to effectively ensure a decent and harmonious living.

"Our task therefore, is to boldly and with knowledge, face the challenges of poverty which leads to poor conditions of living.

"I wish you happy, peaceful, and joyful Eid-el-Fitir."

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Congratulations upon successful completion of Ramadhan. pic.twitter.com/adeProxK2w

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) June 25, 2017

Religious authorities announced on Saturday that the Eid al-Fitr feast would start in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf states.

The authorities in the kingdom said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency that the new moon had been sighted, marking the end of the month of fasting.

News agencies in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) and Kuwait also announced that Sunday would mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, and other countries in the region would be expected to follow suit.

During Ramadan, observant Muslims do not drink, eat or have sexual relations between dawn and nightfall. They also try to avoid evil thoughts and deeds.

Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because tradition says the Koran was revealed to their prophet Mohammed during that month.

(Additional reporting by AFP)