Zadock Amanyisa | Tayari News
Wednesday, 18th February 2026, marks the beginning of the fasting period for both Christians and Muslims across the globe.
Christians observe the beginning of the Lenten season while Muslims begin their Month of Ramadhan. Both Abrahamic faiths use this time for spiritual renewal, characterised by prayer and fasting.
Christians and Muslims are referred to as Abrahamic faiths because they trace their common origin to the patriarch Abraham, the grandfather of believers in God. This year’s Ramadhan and Lenten periods are a coincidence that happens once every 32 years.
Today is also Ash Wednesday, which occurs six and a half weeks before Easter. It occurs between February 4 and March 11, depending on the date of Easter. It serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God, and it is commonly observduringith the distribution of ashes.
According to Rev. Fr. David Tibaingana, a Priest at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Mbarara, a forty-day fasting journey calls on Christians to listen more than they talk for spiritual renewal.
“Pope Leo has given us a very important message to guide us in this period. We need to listen more than we speak.” He said
In his Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholics to open themselves to listening, fasting, and community, urging them to abstain from words of hatred to make space for words of hope and peace. “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.” The Pope appealed
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) on Tuesday announced the sighting of the Ramadhan crescent moon, marking the start of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. The announcement was made at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala by the Director of Sharia, Dr Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga.
Congratulating the Muslims upon reaching the holy month, and Dr Lubanga, on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, urged them to embrace worship and good deeds.
“We implore you to utilise this opportunity in devotion to the worship of Almighty God and strive to do good deeds to earn divine rewards,” he said, encouraging believers to attend religious learning sessions at their respective mosques throughout the month.