Muslims across Uganda on Friday conducted special prayers for rain, beseeching Almighty Allah to forgive their sins and bless the country with beneficial rains to revive crops, vegetation and water sources for people and livestock.
The prayers, held in different parts of the country, came amid prolonged hot and dry weather that has affected communities and raised concerns over water availability and agricultural production.
At Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, the main prayers were led by Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary for Religious Affairs, shortly after the Friday congregational prayers.
The prayers were preceded by a sermon delivered by Sheikh Hussein Juma Bulafu, who urged Muslims to strengthen unity and brotherhood among believers. Sheikh Bulafu cited verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasising the importance of faith, repentance and solidarity among Muslims.
The supplications were followed by reports of light rainfall in several parts of the country, including Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja and Mbale, offering relief from the hot and dry conditions.
The prayers brought together senior Muslim leaders from various UMSC structures, government officials and other faithful.
The UMSC Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, was unable to attend the prayers as he travelled to Cairo, Egypt, where he is attending an international conference.
The Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, and the Second Deputy Mufti, Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, were also absent due to urgent official engagements.
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