Muslims from across Uganda converged at Kibuli Hill on Sunday to commemorate 130 years since Prince Nuhu Mbogo Kyabasinga returned from exile in Zanzibar—a moment deeply etched in the religious and political history of Islam in Uganda.
The event, marked with prayers and reflections, drew top Buganda Kingdom officials, Muslim clerics, and prominent opposition politicians.
The highlight of the day was the arrival of the titular head of Muslims in Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, whose presence was met with jubilation from the crowd. In his address, Nakibinge urged Muslims, especially the youth, to actively engage in the 2026 general elections while upholding peace and rejecting provocation.
“We must learn from Prince Mbogo, who on his return avoided conflict and focused on building and spreading Islam. As we head into another political season, I urge you to emulate this wisdom. Elections should never be a matter of life and death,” Nakibinge said.
Prince Mbogo, a towering figure in Uganda’s Islamic history, returned from Zanzibar in 1895 after years in exile. Upon his return, he devoted himself to strengthening Islam across Uganda, eventually being granted land in Kibuli under the 1900 Buganda Agreement—a decision that helped solidify Kibuli’s place as a spiritual and cultural centre for Muslims.
The Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi, also addressed the gathering, reminding leaders within the Muslim community to care for their followers with compassion and humility.
“It is fundamental to our faith that we love and care for one another, especially those we lead. Prince Mbogo exemplified that, and we must follow his legacy,” Galabuzi said.
Sheikh Yasin Kiwewa echoed similar sentiments, encouraging Muslims to commit themselves to good deeds and to reflect on the legacy they wish to leave behind.
“This day reminds us not only of Prince Mbogo’s return but also of the values he embodied. Let us reflect on how we, too, can contribute meaningfully to our faith and country,” he told the congregation.
The commemorative event was further marked by the launch of a new book titled Mbogo Yali Ngabo (Mbogo Was a Shield), authored by historian Abdullah Mugonza.
The book chronicles the life and struggles of Prince Mbogo, celebrating his resilience and dedication to Islam during a politically volatile era.
NRM politician Faridah Nambi, who attended the event, welcomed Prince Nakibinge’s message of peace and urged the government to heed the calls for unity and non-violence.
“I want to appreciate Prince Nakibinge for reminding us of the peaceful foundation of our faith. The government must take these calls seriously for the sake of national stability as we approach the 2026 elections,” Nambi said.
Also in attendance was the Buganda Kingdom’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, who reaffirmed the Kingdom’s longstanding support for Muslim heritage and values.
The annual event continues to serve as a moment of reflection for Uganda’s Muslim community, offering lessons from the past to guide the present.
Organisers described this year’s edition as one of the most well-attended in recent memory, underscoring the enduring relevance of Prince Mbogo’s legacy.
As the nation inches closer to the next general elections, the voices from Kibuli Hill offered a unifying message: that history, faith, and peace must remain central to Uganda’s future.