Inside Nakibinge’s maiden visit to Namungoona Salaf school
By Abdul Wahid Kakande
The inauguration of a three-storey building by Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the titular head of the Muslim community at Namungoona Salaf School has left many Muslims speculating about the reasons behind his invitation.
This is because the Kibuli Muslim administration has not been in good books with the Salaf sect following the wave of murder of several Muslim clerics affiliated to Kibuli that led to the arrest and trial of Tabligh leader Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga and others over terrorism and murder of Sheikhs Hassan Kirya, Mustafa Bahiga among others.
However, those privy to the details revealed to the Friday call that the invitation was not by accident but deeply rooted in history.
“The land that houses the school was donated by Prince Nuhu Mbogo but some people were claiming its ownership. So, Prince Nakibinge helped them to redeem it and it was befitting to invite him to preside over the inauguration of the new building that has been named after his grandfather who donated the land,” the source said.
Sheikh Sulaiman Mutebi, the head of the school revealed that while Mbogo donated 30 acres of land to them, only 2-acres are remaining with the rest having been sold off by unscrupulous individuals.
Speaking to them after commissioning the building, Nakibinge underscored the importance of unity in diversity.
“We need to forgive each other and focus on issues that unites us,” Nakibinge said.
Nakibinge used the occasion to thank the school management for fighting hard to redeem the property.
“I thank those that contributed money in the process of redeeming this property from those who wanted to grab it. However, avoid registering these properties in the names of individuals because these properties are for the benefit of the entire Muslim community and we must safeguard them,” Nakibinge said.
Nakibinge reiterated his call to the government to release all political prisoners and the Muslims that were arrested over the conflicts within the Muslim community, saying it is time to mend ties.
“If you don’t belong to the same political party, the political season is behind us. So don’t frame your colleagues for political scores,” Nakibinge cautioned.
Relatedly, the Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi urged Muslim leaders to safeguard their properties from grabbers through registration.
“If a Mu’adhin can embezzle over sh300m, what about the leaders? So, safeguard your properties so that they are not grabbed,” Galabuzi said.
Rubaga North MP Abubaker Kawalya thanked the school management for promoting education.
With the inauguration of the building, the Mbogo family and the broader Buganda royal establishment remain deeply tied to the institution.
The building provides additional classrooms and facilities for Namungoona Salaf School, easing overcrowding and improving the educational environment for the learners.
