KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged both Muslims and Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid ungodly practices as the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent draw to a close.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kampala on Wednesday, the party spokesperson, Sharon Oyat Arach, noted that Uganda often registers a decline in crime during the periods of Ramadan and Lent, attributing it to increased spiritual reflection and discipline among believers.
“UPC reminds our Muslim brothers and sisters, as well as Christians who are about to complete the Lenten period, not to backslide in faith and engage in ungodly acts such as corruption and manipulation in our day-to-day life,” Oyat said.
She called for the continuation of this conduct beyond the religious seasons to help curb vices such as corruption and bribery. Moreso, UPC extended Eid Mubarak wishes to Muslims ahead of the anticipated celebration of Eid al-Fitr, expected after the sighting of the crescent moon.
Meanwhile, the party’s head of media and communications, Muzeeyi Faizo, appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to exercise his constitutional powers under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to release political prisoners and detained Muslim clerics.
“The government should appreciate the significance of completing the holy month of Ramadan by releasing all political prisoners languishing in jail as a gesture to the Muslim community,” Faizo said.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It is expected to be observed on Thursday, March 19, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon. However, the date may vary in different countries depending on weather conditions.
The Christian Lenten season, which began on February 18 alongside Ramadan this year, is also set to end in about two weeks, concluding 40 days of fasting, prayer and almsgiving.
