Updated
About 14% of Ugandans are Muslim, and both Eid al-Fitr, which ends the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, are public holidays in Uganda. Dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar and are confirmed by moon sighting, announced by Muslim leaders shortly beforehand; in 2027, Eid al-Fitr is expected around early March and Eid al-Adha around mid-May. Celebrations centre on morning prayers, new clothes, family visits and shared meals.
Ramadan in Uganda
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Evenings are busy, as families break the fast together, often starting with dates, tea and porridge before a larger meal, and mosques hold extra night prayers. In Muslim areas, food stalls open around sunset. Visitors are not expected to fast, but eating discreetly near fasting colleagues or guides is considerate. See our guide to religion in Uganda.
How Eid is celebrated
On Eid morning, worshippers gather in their best clothes, men often in white kanzu, for prayers at mosques and open grounds, with large congregations at the Uganda National Mosque in Old Kampala. Families then visit relatives, share food such as pilau rice, meat and chapati, and give to the poor. At Eid al-Adha, families who can afford it slaughter a goat, cow or sheep and share the meat with neighbours and those in need. See our guides to Kampala’s mosques and the kanzu.
Travelling during Eid
Government offices and many businesses close on Eid, and roads can be busy as families travel. Park activities, including gorilla trekking, continue as normal; the permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. If your guide is Muslim, they may appreciate the chance to attend prayers or call family. See our guide to Uganda’s public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
By moon sighting, announced by Muslim leaders shortly before.
Yes, park activities continue as normal.
If invited, yes; dress modestly and follow your hosts’ lead.
