Africa-Press – Uganda. The Titular Head of Muslims in Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, has called for accountability, justice, and moral courage among leaders following recent political violence in Butambala District.
Speaking during Eid celebrations at his residence in Kibuli on Friday, Nakibinge urged religious leaders, politicians, and individuals in positions of authority not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
“I urge religious leaders, politicians, and all in positions of leadership not to remain silent when injustice or wrongdoing occurs,” he said.
Nakibinge expressed concern over the reported loss of lives linked to politically motivated violence during the recent elections in Butambala, noting that, to his knowledge, no arrests had been made in connection with the deaths.
“I call for justice for the families who lost loved ones in the politically related violence during the recent elections in Butambala. It is unfortunate that, to my knowledge, no arrests have been made so far,” he said.
Nakibinge further called upon the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate the incidents thoroughly and ensure accountability, particularly from law enforcement agencies.
“I call upon the DPP to investigate the events related to political violence in Butambala during the recent elections and hold the police accountable to explain the circumstances, the actions taken, and the lives that were lost,” he said.
Nakibinge’s remarks come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
Kivumbi was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with alleged acts of political violence tied to the January 15, 2026 general elections in Butambala District.
The violence reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least ten people.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he, along with 24 co-accused individuals, faces terrorism-related charges.
In the latest developments on March 10, 2026, proceedings in the case were temporarily halted after the presiding magistrate, Deogratias Ssejjemba, raised concerns regarding the possible minor status of two of the accused.
During the session, the court was informed that the identities of the two individuals were being withheld, but there were indications they could be under the age of 18.
Additional information presented suggested that both suspects may still be secondary school students.
These revelations prompted questions about whether the individuals should be treated as minors under Ugandan law.
State prosecutors told the court that no documentation was immediately available to verify the ages of the suspects, leaving the matter for judicial determination.
Under the Children Act, individuals who appear to be minors may be presumed to be children until proven otherwise.
This provision can significantly affect how criminal proceedings are conducted, including safeguards and protections afforded to the accused.
Following deliberations, Magistrate Ssejjemba directed the Uganda Prisons Service to conduct examinations to determine the ages of the two suspects.
He ordered that the individuals be assessed and that prison authorities return to court with verified findings before proceedings can resume.
The case involving Kivumbi and his co-accused will continue once the court receives the age verification results.
