Muslim leaders in Bukomansimbi District have called on politicians to uphold dignity and discipline, particularly as the country approaches a tense political season.
They stressed that maintaining decorum could reduce the number of young people being arrested and jailed over political-related issues.
The leaders made these remarks during a Dua (prayer) ceremony held to thank God for granting KCCA Councillor Faridah Nakabugo the opportunity to contest for the Bukomansimbi District Woman MP seat.
The event took place at her parents' home in Magando village, Kibinge sub-county, Bukomansimbi District.
Nakabugo, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and a Lubaga Division Councilor at KCCA, organized the thanksgiving prayer, which was led by Muslim leaders from Old Kampala and Kibuli Muslim factions.
Sheikh Silimani Ssesanga, the head of Bukomansimbi North Islamic region and representative of the Supreme Mufti of Bukomansimbi, urged politicians to exercise restraint in their conduct.
He lamented the high number of youths arrested and imprisoned due to their political involvement, citing those detained since the 2021 general elections who are still behind bars.
Sheikh Muhammad Wasswa Ssemakadde, the district Kadhi of Bukomansimbi, also cautioned politicians against using religious leaders in their political battles. He emphasized that religious leaders should remain neutral and not be drawn into partisan conflicts.
In her speech, Nakabugo, who is vying for the Bukomansimbi Woman MP seat, criticized security agencies for arbitrarily arresting and detaining young people without justification. She called on the police and other security bodies to cease unlawful political arrests.
"The issue of political prisoners is blamed on police and other security agencies that arrested them for no serious reason, and some were arrested for wearing NUP berets," Nakabugo said.
Nakabugo has faced criticism from some Bukomansimbi residents, with claims that she is not a native of the district. However, she and her supporters dismissed these allegations, laughing off the claims.
Mubarak Ssebuufu Junior, the Vice Chairperson of Bukomansimbi District, defended Nakabugo, asserting that leadership is about service, not just a candidate’s birthplace.
"If we have just come to know that our president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has a root in Bukomansimbi, now continue asking Faridah Nakabugo whether she is a resident of Bukomansimbi," Mubarak defended.
Nakabugo promised the people of Bukomansimbi honest and dedicated service if elected. However, some residents expressed skepticism about her candidacy, suggesting they might vote strategically if she wins.
Nakabugo joins a growing list of female candidates vying for the Bukomansimbi Woman MP seat, including Veronica Nanyondo Bbeeyi Yabirirme, Ruth Katushabe, Nabadda Sitenda, Namuyanja Pamera, Babirye Lillian, Halima Nakawungu, and Janat Kayondo, among others.