Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the Titular Head of Muslims in Uganda has called on Parliament to push for amnesty and release of all political detainees.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at the Parliament of Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge made a direct appeal to the Speaker and her Deputy to use their influence to ensure the release of all political prisoners, especially those who have been detained for years without trial.
“I’ve already said in the last so many years that all political detainees should be allowed to go home. Please use the powers you have, use the connections you have, and cause the political detainees, especially those who have been five years in incarcerations to be allowed to join their families,” he said.
“When I talk about political detainees, I’m talking about those people who have been five years, they have never been taken to court. If they have been taken to court, there is no progress. There is no evidence being shared with the defense team,” he explained.
He noted that the country should move on from past election tensions and focus on healing and unity.
“The elections come and go, we always have elections, and we all know there will always be one winner and a loser, so we should not lose sleep if elections have come and gone, but try to heal from the past,” he said.
He explained that he honoured the invitation to Parliament because he wanted to speak directly to leaders with the power to influence change.
“I know parliament has an oversight role in this country, is one of the arms of government. I thought that maybe when we speak there in other places, possibly some people are not listening, but when I come here, everybody will be listening, those who make the laws,” he said.
Prince Nakibinge condemned acts of violence that reportedly occurred in some rural areas during the election period, describing the incidents as unnecessary.
“There was a lot of anarchy. There was a lot of problems in those parts of the world. I’m saying it was uncalled for,” he noted.
He urged Members of Parliament to use their authority to ensure accountability for those responsible.
“All I’m asking from you members of parliament, use the influence you have, use the powers you have, to cause those who are behind this violence to be individually charged for having harassed Ugandans,” he said.
Prince Nakibinge emphasized that political differences should not divide Ugandans, saying democracy allows divergent views.
“Let’s not take politics or elections to be a do or die affair… in a democracy there’s always divergence of opinion. Somebody taking another opinion should not be ostracized, should not be harassed,” he said.
He further urged Parliament to close what he called a painful chapter in the country’s politics.
“Let’s close that chapter. Make sure that all those behind bars for political reasons are given amnesty, are released, and we move on,” he appealed.
