The Muslim community in Kaliro district celebrated Eid Al-Adha on June 16, 2024, with a grand gesture by slaughtering 2000 cows and bulls. This significant event was made possible through a donation from the Turkish Red Crescent, in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Kaliro Primary Teachers College (KPTC) served as the site for the mass slaughter. Muslims from across the district gathered at KPTC to commemorate the day and share the meat with the less privileged in the community.
Mr. Benard Mugoya Mutebi, also known as Agro Ben, played a key role in securing this donation for the Muslim communities in Kaliro, Buyende, Namutumba, and Luuka. He explained how he connected with the Turkish Red Crescent and convinced them to bring the initiative to Kaliro.
“Today is a day for Muslims to sacrifice animals for Allah. The Muslims from Turkey wanted to make their sacrifices in Uganda. I convinced them to bring the initiative to Kaliro district. I am glad they fulfilled their pledge,” said Mr. Mugoya.
To gather the 2000 cattle, local farmers brought their animals to KPTC over two weeks and were paid for their contributions. Mr. Mugoya mentioned that only a quarter of the animals were slaughtered on the first day, with plans to slaughter the rest in the following days.
“The meat will be distributed to every household in the district and neighboring districts. Sharing with the underprivileged is a key part of our faith,” he added.
Sheikh Abdullahman Afani Wakate, the Kaliro district khad, praised the Turkish organization for their generous donation, highlighting the importance of such support for the Muslim community in Busoga.
“I am happy that our fellow Muslims from Turkey are with us to celebrate and make sacrifices to Allah. I thank them for this relief and ask Allah to bless them,” said Sheikh Wakate.
Mr. Mugoya, who is eyeing a parliamentary seat for Bulamogi county, encouraged locals to embrace cattle rearing, noting the economic opportunities it brings.
“I call upon residents of Kaliro and Busoga to embrace animal grazing. This initiative has brought significant opportunities to our farmers. We never imagined hosting such an event where animals were bought locally,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the Turkish organization plans to continue this initiative in Busoga, especially in Kaliro, for the next five years.
The Muslim community in Uganda and around the world continues to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, a day marked by sacrifice and sharing.
