Eid al-Fitr has officially been confirmed for Friday, March 20, 2026, marking the end of Ramadan 1447 AH after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on the evening of Wednesday, March 18. That meant Ramadan completed a full 30 days, with Thursday, March 19, serving as the final day of fasting before Eid celebrations began on Friday.
In Uganda, Muslim leaders confirmed the same date, announcing that the new moon had not been sighted and that Idd ul-Fitr would therefore be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026. The announcement aligned Uganda with several other countries and Muslim communities that also marked Friday as the first day of Shawwal.
Across the Gulf, countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates confirmed Friday as Eid al-Fitr after the non-sighting of the moon. The UAE’s official news agency reported that Thursday completed Ramadan and Friday marked the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
The date also matched the calendar announced by the Fiqh Council of North America, which had projected Friday, March 20, 2026 as the first day of Shawwal. While some countries and communities follow local moon sighting and may occasionally differ by a day, Friday emerged as the widely observed Eid date this year.
Eid al-Fitr, often called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most important celebrations on the Islamic calendar. It marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, a period devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. The day typically begins with congregational Eid prayers held shortly after sunrise, followed by family visits, festive meals, charity, and the exchange of warm greetings of “Eid Mubarak.”
With the date now confirmed, families in Uganda and around the world are heading into the day with prayers, celebration, and gratitude after a month of devotion and sacrifice.
