Agency
In a coincidence of calendars, Christians and Muslims around the world have commenced their respective periods of fasting on the same day this year.
For Christians, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, a date determined by the ecclesiastical calendar and linked to the timing of Easter.
In the Catholic tradition, this day is marked by special Masses where priests place ashes on the foreheads of the faithful, often in the shape of a cross, accompanied by words such as “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
This ritual, according to church teachings, serves as a visible sign of repentance, humility, and the start of the 40-day period of Lent (excluding Sundays), during which Catholics focus on prayer, fasting, penance, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter.
On the same day the holy month of Ramadan began for Muslims, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
In Uganda, the sighting of the crescent moon was officially announced by Dr. Abdul-Hafiz Walusimbi, Director of Sharia at the Office of the Supreme Mufti in Kibuli. He declared that the moon had been sighted, calling on all Muslims across the country to begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan the following day.
During the announcement, he urged imams to lead the special Tarawih prayers and encouraged the broader Muslim community to support one another particularly by helping those who may struggle to afford food for breaking their fast (iftar), fostering a spirit of generosity and solidarity during this sacred time.
