Kibuli will not back any political candidate-Nakibinge
Abdul Wahid Kakande and Hajji Ntale Yunus
Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu has revealed that the Kibuli Muslim administration will not back any candidate in the forthcoming general elections.
Nakibinge also the titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda made the pronouncement on Sunday while presiding over the 5th dua (prayers) in the memory of Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata.
Muzaata died in December 2020. He was the spokesperson and director of Dawa at the office of the Supreme mufti based at Kibuli.
“For us we shall not endorse any candidate. Sell your respective manifesto to the people and if they buy it, they will vote for you,” Nakibinge said.
“This also applies to our longtime friends. Tell people why they vote for you, otherwise if you lose, we shall only console you,” Nakibinge said.
The prince’s declaration comes two weeks after the Amir Ummah (leader of the Tablighs), Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, told his followers that they are duty-bound to give their loyalty and allegiance to President Yoweri Museveni.
Nakibinge condemned the episodes of violence that manifested in the electoral process such as the Gulu incident when security agencies clobbered the supporters of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, warning that such acts affect the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) whose candidate, Yoweri Museveni, is seeking re-election after 40 years in office.
“Allow people to campaign because at the end of it, it is Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission chairperson who has the mandate to announce the winner,” Nakibinge said.
Nakibinge also urged people to avoid engaging in any acts of violence because elections come and go. “As we have always said, elections come and go. So, don’t harm each other because of elections,” Nakibinge said.
Lukwago, Kasozi, Balimwezo face off
Given a chance to speak to the gathering, incumbent Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago said he was the more fit person for the position. “Nze ndi kakonge kakukubo akekonako yaggwa,” Lukwago said, literally meaning it’s almost impossible to uproot him from the city leadership after 15 years in office.
However, Ibrahim Kasozi, another contender, said he will uproot him. “Nzize nenyondo ngenda kumusigulula,” Kasozi said, literally meaning that he wielded a hammer that would uproot Lukwago.
Meanwhile, Ronald Balimwezo, the National Unity Platform Lord Mayoral aspirant implored Muslims to vote for him. “Please vote for me, I will work with you,” Balimwezo said.
Kampala minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who is also vying for Kampala central MP seat, urged Muslims to uphold their values in the forthcoming general elections.
“We have been having some challenges as the Muslim community, but I have always taken the initiative to bring them to the attention of the President. Therefore, we must give priority to our people,” Kabanda said.
Commenting on allegations of lack of transparency in the State House sponsored pilgrimage to Makkah, Kabanda promised to follow up on the matter.
