Museveni mourns Sarah Kakungulu, hails Nakibinge’s role in Muslim development
By Sarah Nalule
President Yoweri Museveni has commended Prince Kassim Nakibinge for his steadfast efforts in fostering unity and development among the Muslim community in Uganda. In a message carried by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, during funeral prayers for Sarah Kakungulu (72), the late mother of Prince Nakibinge and widow of the late Badru Kakungulu, Museveni underscored the important role Prince Nakibinge has played in fostering cohesion among Muslims, and in guiding the community towards collective progress.
The funeral prayers were held at Kibuli Mosque, Kampala, on December 31, 2024, before the body was transferred to Namasumbi in Mukono district for burial.
“Her death is a blow not only to the royal family but also to the entire Muslim community of Uganda and Buganda Kingdom,” Museveni said in his eulogy. He went on to share his deep respect for the late Sarah, recalling her support during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) struggle. “While we (rebels) had the bush fighting, we had people of goodwill like the late Prince Badru Kakungulu and his wife [Sarah], who were praying for us to emerge victorious,” Museveni stated.
He also recognised the historical contributions of the Kakungulu family to Uganda, commending the late Sarah Kakungulu for her unwavering support to her family, Buganda Kingdom, and the Islamic faith. He particularly praised Prince Nakibinge for his continued efforts in uniting the Muslim community and advancing their development.
“We believe that religious and cultural leaders have a critical role to play in mobilizing their followers to combat poverty and social backwardness. I commend Prince Nakibinge for consolidating unity and development among the Muslims,” Museveni said.
Buganda Kingdom premier (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, similarly praised the Kakungulu family, highlighting their tireless efforts in various areas of national importance, including religious matters and the development of Buganda. Mayiga noted that the royal family had played a pivotal role in the developments at Kibuli Hill and the broader Muslim community in Uganda.
“The royal family has been at the forefront of religious and cultural leadership for over 100 years,” Mayiga said.
He also expressed gratitude for Hajjati Kakungulu’s contribution to the establishment of various development projects at Kibuli hill.
“We thank God for her life because those of us who had the chance to associate with her, benefited immensely from her wisdom and guidance,” he added.
According to her son, Prince Khalifan Lukanga Kakungulu, the late Sarah Kakungulu had been struggling with back pain and had sought treatment in various hospitals in Nairobi, India, and Thailand. She had made a recovery, but her condition worsened after surgery on one of her eyes. She passed away due to autoimmune – a health condition which occurs when a person’s immune system attacks the body instead of defending it.
