The Titular Head of Muslims in Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, has condemned what he described as continued human rights violations in Uganda, warning that the country risks descending into instability if the trend is not addressed.
Nakibinge made the remarks on Sunday at Kibuli Mosque during a ceremony commemorating 131 years since Prince Nuuhu Ssimbwa Kyabasinga Mbogo returned from exile in Zanzibar, where he had been banished because of his commitment to advancing and preserving Islam.
Addressing thousands of Muslims and invited guests, Nakibinge expressed concern over what he said was a worsening human rights situation.
"You all hear what is happening in Uganda. These days there are widespread violations of human rights. There are actions taking place that one would never expect. This is not right. What is most painful and discouraging is that those entrusted with protecting us and our property are the very people involved in violating people's rights. We appeal to them to stop because what they are doing benefits no one," he said.
He also criticised the judiciary, citing remarks previously made by retired Justice Egonda-Ntende, who accused judicial officers of failing to faithfully discharge their responsibilities.
Nakibinge said the concerns raised by the retired judge had never been adequately addressed.
"We also wish to appeal to our judges. Justice Egonda-Ntende himself publicly said that many of you had failed to live up to your responsibilities, and no one challenged what he said. Therefore, we cannot dismiss his remarks either," he said.
"You know what is happening. The situation we are in should not be like this. This country belongs to all of us. Government has the authority to arrest anyone, and we do not seek to interfere with that authority. However, anyone accused of breaking the law should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law."
Nakibinge urged Uganda's traditional leaders to seek an audience with the country's leadership to discuss the concerns being raised by citizens and establish whether those concerns are recognised at the highest levels of government.
He said such dialogue was necessary before the country's situation deteriorated further.
The Muslim leader also criticised the closure of Nation Media Group's media outlets, saying taking media houses off air and silencing people's voices was unacceptable. He urged authorities to adopt approaches that safeguard both national interests and constitutional freedoms.
Turning to the significance of the annual commemoration, Nakibinge described Prince Nuuhu Mbogo as a courageous and visionary leader whose life should continue to inspire Ugandans.
He urged people to emulate Mbogo's humility, steadfastness, commitment to principle and dedication to defending Islam despite persecution.
The First Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda and Minister for Administration and Information and Communications Technology, Prof Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, said Prince Nuuhu Mbogo occupies a significant place in both the history of Islam and the Buganda Kingdom.
Kigongo said Mbogo was among the leaders whose efforts strengthened both Buganda and Islam during periods of religious conflict and colonial expansion.
He said Mbogo stood firmly to ensure that neither Buganda nor Islam was extinguished during the political and religious struggles that shaped Uganda's history.
The Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, praised Prince Nuuhu Mbogo's contribution to the survival and growth of Islam in Uganda.
He said Muslims today have a responsibility to preserve the legacy Mbogo left behind by promoting development, strengthening moral values and protecting the image of Islam.
Galabuzi also urged Khadhis and administrators of Islamic schools to strengthen institutions that support Islamic education and leadership.
During his sermon, Sheikh Yasin Kiweewa encouraged Muslims to place their trust in Allah in all circumstances and to accompany their faith with righteous deeds, just as Prince Nuuhu Mbogo did throughout his life.
He said sincere adherence to the teachings of Islam would enable believers to overcome life's challenges.
Kiweewa also cautioned against placing ultimate trust in fellow human beings rather than the Creator.
He particularly advised politicians not to depend entirely on individuals or political parties but to rely on Allah, noting that while every generation's supporters eventually pass on or move away, Allah remains eternal.
Prince Nuuhu Mbogo, a son of Kabaka Ssuuna Kalema II, was one of Uganda's foremost champions of Islam.
Persecuted because of his faith, he was forced into exile in Zanzibar before returning to Uganda on September 30, 1897, where he resumed efforts to strengthen Islam.
Born in 1835, Prince Nuuhu Mbogo died on September 26, 1921. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his unwavering commitment to defending Islam and preserving both Uganda's religious and historical heritage.
The commemoration attracted Muslim leaders from across Uganda, officials from the Buganda Kingdom and the Central Government, leaders of Islamic educational institutions and hundreds of other invited guests.
