Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the Titular head of the Muslim Community in Uganda, has condemned the violence that marred the Kawempe North by-election, expressing sympathy for those brutalized.
Speaking at an Eid Fitr luncheon at his residence in Kibuli after Eid prayers at Kibuli mosque on March 30, 2025, Nakibinge criticized the security agencies’ actions.
“I wish to join others in sympathizing with all those who were brutalized by the people who are supposed to protect us. It was uncalled for. Why should people take that route of using electric cables on Ugandans in the name of elections?” he questioned. “You cannot use force to change somebody’s views, you cannot use force to force someone to hate what he likes or to like what he hates. The only thing you can get when you use force is fake loyalty and deep-rooted hatred and I don’t know why one should look for that.”
He also sympathized with journalists assaulted during their duties and commended media houses that withdrew their staff amidst the violence. Nakibinge urged security force leaders to respect the rule of law and avoid violence. He emphasized that no election is worth a human life and called on Ugandans, especially the youth, to remain peaceful.
Nakibinge acknowledged the global suffering during Ramadan, praying for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, Palestine, Sudan, and other conflict zones.
He congratulated Elias Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, on winning the Kawempe North MP seat, following a by-election triggered by the death of Mohammad Ssegirinya. The election was marked by violence against journalists, opposition candidates, and supporters.
During Eid prayers at Kibuli Mosque, Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheik Muhammad Galabuzi, also condemned violence and called for forgiveness.
Floods
Nakibinge urged Kampala municipal authorities, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Works and Transport to address the persistent flooding.
“Much as we appreciate the lot you have done in constructing and repairing the roads in the city, please be mindful of also putting up a drainage system so that we don’t have to see these floods once again. Ensure that nobody obstructs the drainage system and we believe we can live in a better place in Kampala,” he advised.
Education
Nakibinge mentioned plans to discuss with the Ministry of Education and Sports regarding rumors of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) collecting school fees.
“I wish to salute the Ministry of Education and Sports, Honorable Janet Kataha Museveni for the good working relationship we have with the ministry and it has helped us to iron out a lot of issues amicably and always look forward to such good cooperation. At this point in time there has been some rumours that the government intends to centralize the issue of paying school fees. We await the formal communication we believe this is an issue we can sit with the ministry and find out and find a way out of this issue. We have good reasons why this shouldn’t take place,” he said.