The Titular Head of Muslims in Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, has called on Parliament to exercise its authority and address the continued detention of individuals held on political grounds.
Prince Nakibinge made the remarks while officiating as the chief guest at an Iftar dinner hosted by Parliament on Friday evening for members of the Muslim community.
“Politics should not be a matter of life and death. All those detained on political grounds should be released and reunited with their families. Some have spent up to five years in detention without being presented before court, and even for those who have appeared in court, their cases have not been concluded,” he said.
Prince Nakibinge said elections naturally produce winners and losers and urged political actors to accept outcomes and prioritize reconciliation for the nation’s good.
He stressed the importance of restoring hope and emotional stability so citizens can focus on productive work.
Nakibinge commended Parliament’s leadership for organizing the Iftar dinner and encouraged Ugandans to embrace generosity and unity during the holy month, urging those blessed by Allah to support the less fortunate.
The First Deputy Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and Minister for Administration and ICT in Mengo government, Professor Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, thanked Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for welcoming Buganda Kingdom officials.
He prayed that Allah rewards them for their hospitality and generosity and emphasized the importance of Parliament’s cooperation with the kingdom on matters affecting critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, trade, and legislation.
Kaawaase further called for dialogue on issues directly affecting Buganda, including land matters, government projects in the kingdom’s territory, and the inclusion of funds owed to the kingdom in the national budget.
Speaker Among thanked attendees and expressed delight at hosting Prince Nakibinge at Parliament for the first time in her tenure.
She urged critics to focus on national development and reconciliation rather than conflict, reinforcing the event’s theme of forgiveness and unity.
The Iftar dinner was attended by Buganda Kingdom officials, including Deputy Speaker of the Buganda Parliament Ahmed Lwasa and Kingdom Minister Hajjat Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja; the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi; various sheikhs; newly elected and returning Members of Parliament; central government ministers; and other invited guests.
