Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Uganda

A public holiday with a variable date

Uganda’s Public Holidays Act provides for public holidays to be observed throughout the country, and the Office of the Vice President lists Eid al-Adha among them. The government calendar describes its date as variable; the day is set according to the Islamic calendar, so its Gregorian date changes from year to year.[1][2]

For eligible employees, the Employment Act provides a paid holiday. It applies to employees with at least six months of continuous service who normally work 16 hours or more a week. If such an employee works on the holiday, the employer must provide another paid day off or, where the statutory condition is met, pay at least double the normal rate.[3]

The meaning of the Feast

Eid al-Adha recalls the account of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son, and God’s provision of a ram instead. Uganda’s Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) describes the story as one of devotion, humility and obedience. The feast falls during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.[4]

Prayer, sacrifice and sharing

A UMSC account of national observance describes a large congregation at the National Mosque in Old Kampala, led by Uganda’s Mufti.[4]

The UMSC account also describes animal sacrifice by believers who are able, followed by distribution of meat to family members, less privileged people and needy communities. It notes that beneficiaries may include people regardless of faith.[4]

What to expect on the day

Uganda’s Public Service Standing Orders list Eid al-Adha as a public holiday and direct government offices to close on public holidays. They provide for public officers to have the holiday on full pay; when service needs require an officer to work, the officer is to receive another paid day off.[5]

Check directly with the business or transport service you plan to use.[4][5]