ZURAH NAKABUGO
KAMPALA – As wars, unrest, and political upheavals continue to afflict countries, particularly in the Middle East, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the arrival of this year’s holy month of Ramadan, expected to commence on March 11 upon the sighting of the moon.
However, Sheikh Hamed Muguluma, the head of HEAR Uganda, laments that for the first time in over a decade, since their office opened, Kampala and Wakiso districts will not receive Ramadan food packages due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as those in Palestine and Ukraine.
“We don’t have any plans to provide Ramadan food packages to Kampala due to a lack of donations. Donors are focusing their efforts on war-torn areas like Sudan, Palestine, Congo, Ukraine, Syria, and others,” he stated.
Previously, HEAR Uganda received between 3,000 to 4,000 Ramadan food package donations annually. However, this year, they have only received 1,000 packages, which have been distributed to Fort Portal, Kasese, Kyenjojo, and Luweero districts.
Sadat Nsubuga, in charge of the Ramadan food program at HEAR Uganda, highlighted that the food packages are primarily targeted at the poor, needy, and widows.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, involves fasting from dawn to dusk, accompanied by intense recitations of the Qur’an and acts of charity. It commemorates the Quran’s first revelation to Prophet Muhammad.
Sheikh Yasir Kulumba, head of Religious Affairs at Kibuli Mosque, advises Muslims to observe Taraweeh prayers every night during Ramadan for increased rewards.
“Taraweeh is one of the many blessings of Ramadan. Offering this special prayer throughout the month not only purifies the soul but also promotes physical health,” he explained.
Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for those who are sick, traveling, menstruating, pregnant, diabetic, or elderly.
Imam Musa Sendege of Namavundu Mosque advised women to avoid making demands that their husbands cannot fulfill, as it may lead to domestic violence, thus spoiling the sanctity of Ramadan.
Regarding the Night of Power (Al-Qadr), Kulumba urged Muslims to utilize the 27th day of Ramadan to pray for rewards, forgiveness, and an end to wars in Middle Eastern countries like Palestine, Ukraine, and Syria.
“This year’s 30-day fasting period will culminate in Eid al-Fitr on April 10, contingent upon the sighting of the moon.”