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You Cannot Use Force to Change People; Prince Nakibenge Condemns Brutality
As Uganda prepares for the upcoming elections, the titular leader of the Muslim community, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, has strongly condemned the acts of violence that have unfolded in the past Kawempe North By-Election. In his statements during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations at Kibukli, Prince Nakibenge expressed his disappointment at the use of force, including the alleged deployment of electric cobbles by forces to beat up people in a bid to influence public opinion.
Nakibenge emphasized that the use of violence as a tool for political gain serves no purpose other than to breed fake loyalty and fuel deep-seated resentment. “There is no need to take that route—using electric cobbles on humans in the name of one’s political interests,” he said. “You cannot use force to change somebody’s view. You cannot force someone to hate what they like or to like what they hate. There is no point in that approach.”
The Prince continued by stressing that Uganda’s democracy must allow for free expression, and violence should never be a means to achieve political goals. His remarks come at a crucial time, with the general elections looming on the horizon, further highlighting the urgency of upholding democratic values and peaceful discourse.
In his appeal to the security forces, Prince Nakibenge urged them to refrain from any form of rights abuse and to instead commit to ensuring a peaceful environment for all Ugandans. He particularly called on the command structure of the security forces to exercise compassion and humanity in their duties. “Please be human,” he urged. “There is no need to flog one another. There is no need to flog those you are mandated to protect. Uganda is for us all, and nothing is going to change.”
Prince Nakibenge’s statements reflect broader messages, many muslim imams and Sheiks from different regions delivered on Idi day, desiring for a more peaceful political climate in Uganda, where all citizens can freely engage in civic life without fear of oppression or violence.
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