KAMPALA — Government has declared Tuesday July 20 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration.
This was disclosed in an official announcement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire.
“The Honourable Minister of Public Service informs the general public that Tuesday 20th July 2021 is Eid al-Adha and will be observed as Public Holiday throughout Uganda,” Ms. Bitarakwate wrote.
She said the day will be observed from home over Coronavirus containment protocols.
The celebration of Eid-al-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son.
This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question, according to the Quran teachings.
Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.
Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid-al-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. In Uganda it lasts for one day.
The act of sacrifice is carried out following the Eid Prayers, which are performed in congregation at the nearest Mosque on the morning of Eid. This has been disrupted by COVID19 for now two years.
The sacrificial animal must be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or a camel; the sheep, lamb or goat consist of one Qurbani share, whereas a bull, cow or camel consist of seven shares per animal.
The animal must be in good health and over a certain age in order to be slaughtered, in a “halal” friendly, Islamic way
