Don’t lose hope, Prince Nakibinge tells defeated election candidates

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Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda, has urged election losers not to lose hope but to patiently wait for another election cycle to take another shot.

Nakibinge made the call while speaking at an iftar dinner, where he hosted several dignitaries, including former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, at his residence in Kibuli on Saturday, February 21, 2026. It is his tradition to host an iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadhan.

“This feast has come at a time when we have just gone through a hectic election. It is not the reason why we are here tonight, but I take this opportunity to congratulate whoever sailed through. To those that victory did not smile your way, never lose hope; there is another chance for you,” Nakibinge said.

Nakibinge congratulated all successful contenders at various levels and thanked God for guiding the country through what he described as bothersome elections peacefully.

At the presidential level, President Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement won the elections after securing 71.65% of the total valid votes cast in the highly contested race. Museveni garnered 7,946,772 votes, defeating seven other contenders. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform was the runner-up with 2,741,238 votes.

Explaining the importance of the iftar dinner, Nakibinge said the holy month of Ramadhan is about sharing with friends, as well as with the poor and less privileged members of the community.

“I encourage Muslims to live up to these virtues because this is a time of devotion to God, internal reflection, spiritual rejuvenation and above all, putting up the bridges so that we get to know one another,” Nakibinge said.

Speaking at the event, Mbabazi said the holy month of Ramadhan speaks not only to Muslims but to all humanity, revealing that he had also fasted in honour of the occasion.

“Ramadhan reminds us of the principalities of the values we share and therefore gatherings like these are deeply meaningful,” Mbabazi said.

Underscoring the importance of fasting, Mbabazi said it is not only an act of devotion but also a powerful expression of empathy.

“So, in a world that can sometimes feel divided, gatherings like these are deeply meaningful because they strengthen friendship, mutual respect and understanding across communities. They remind us that our diversity is not a weakness but a source of richness and strength,” Mbabazi said.

Mbabazi said he feels proud of the religious harmony in Uganda, noting that it was one of the ideals they fought for in 1986.

“Whenever I go, especially among my friends in the Muslim countries where there is strife, I invite them to come and experience the harmony we have in Uganda between the many religions that exist,” Mbabazi revealed.

Mbabazi thanked the Muslim community for the key role they play in the spiritual, social, educational and economic life of the country.

“I want to assure you that your contributions are valued and appreciated,” Mbabazi said.

Ramadhan

Muslim fasting began on Wednesday (February 18). Fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all adult Muslims across the globe. It lasts between 29 and 30 days.

During this period, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and intimacy from dawn until sunset. They are also encouraged to use this time to seek forgiveness, recite the Quran daily, observe night prayers and support the poor and needy for enormous rewards.