By Hellen Aguyo
Muslims across North Karamoja have been urged to restrain from activities that may compromise their religious beliefs and personal relationship with Allah during Ramadhan, a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting intended to bring them closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, confirmed the sighting of the Ramahdan 1447 crescent through national moon-sighting committees, marking the spiritual start of Islam’s holiest month for of Muslims millions worldwide.
In a rare occurrence, this year’s Ramadhan coincides with the Christine Lenten Season, an overlap that happens roughly once in every 32 years.
Because Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadhan shifts backward by 11 days each year, completing a full cycle through the Georgiana calendar over the last three decades.
Speaking to this publication at his residence in Western Compound, Kotido Municipality, Sheikh Isa Keli Pendo, the district Khadi of North Karamoja, described Ramadhan as the ninth month of Islamic calendar, as the Holy month of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
“During the period of Ramadhan, Muslims obtain food, drinks and other material relations from dawn to sunset as an act of devotion to Allah”, Sheikh Pendo explained.
He advised Muslims to observe Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and break down their fast at sunset in line with the teaching of Prophet Muhammad.
“Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required for all Muslims, though exceptions are made for young children and the sick, as well as women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating. Travelers are also exempt, including athletes attending tournaments away from home”, Sheikh Pendo noted.
He added that “Those observing the fast must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset. They are also encouraged to refrain from cursing, fighting, gossiping and road rage throughout the holy month”.
According to Sheikh Pendo, after the last day of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive three-day holiday during which children dress in new outfits and receive gifts.
He urged Muslims to use the holy month of Ramahdan to strengthen their faith, promote unity and support the needy.
Sheikh Pendo observed that Ramadhan is not only about obtaining food and drinks, but also a time for self-discipline, forgiveness, charity and drawing closer to Allah.
“By experiencing hunger and thirst, believers are a reminder of the struggles faced by the poor, which encourages acts of charity,” Sheikh Pendo explained.
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