UMSC IN WEST NILE ENCOURAGES MUSLIMS TO OBSEVE RAMATHAN DISCIPLINE

Muslim faithful’s during the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday Feb 18, 2026. All photos by Albert Onzoma.

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

The Muslims in West Nile region have today joined the global Muslim community to begin observing the holy month of Ramadan, following confirmation of the crescent moon, ushering in a period of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, is regarded as the holiest month in Islam as it commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

During this period, Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations from dawn to sunset as an act of obedience and devotion to Allah.

Across the region, mosques are preparing to host special night prayers known as Taraweeh, performed throughout the month.

Speaking to Radio Pacis on Wednesday, Sheik Habib Aluma, the regional secretary of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council for West Nile region, said fasting teaches patience, humility and empathy for the less privileged and encouraged all the Muslims to observe all the Ramadan disciplines.

“We expect this year we have to be very peaceful, lovely, and harmonious and we co-exist with our neighbors who may not necessarily be Christians, so let’s extend our love, sympathy, friendship with them when they are in friendship and neighborhood with us” he said.

Muslims during Taraweeh prayers.

Aluma, urged believers to use the month to strengthen their faith and promote unity.

“During this Ramadan 2026, Muslims are expected forgive one another, to love their families, to work hard because this is not the month where you go and sleep in a mosque or your houses but be very active, all believing Muslims are expected to observe the first fasting in the month of Ramadan as it was bestowed upon earlier people before Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him” he added.

He encouraged Muslims to observe Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and break their first in line with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.

Coincidentally, Ramadan begins at the same time Christians are observing Lent, a solemn period of fasting and prayer ahead of Easter.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis