Fort Portal Eid prayers: Leaders urged to stay connected to the people

FORT PORTAL - A large crowd gathered at the Kabarole Main Mosque in Fort Portal city for Eid Al Adha prayers led by Sheikh Mugyisha Shaban, as Muslims joined the rest of the world in marking one of the most important celebrations on the Islamic calendar.

While speaking to journalists after the prayers, Sheikh Abdu Swaibu Tibenda, the county sheikh for Fort Portal, urged newly elected leaders to remain connected to the people who voted for them so that they can understand and address their challenges.

“Most of the time, the people we elect go and we don’t see them again, we ask you to come back to the people who serve them,” he said.

According to Tibenda, leaders should serve the interests of the people who voted them into office rather than pursuing personal interests.

“People have challenges, and as leaders, you should come and listen to them,” he added.
He challenged leaders to always consult the public before passing laws that directly affect their lives, accusing some officials of pushing through policies for personal interests.

“We ask you to come and consult the people, not just passing laws because you have been given something,” he said.

He emphasised that leaders should prioritise the views and welfare of citizens, noting that meaningful consultation helps build trust and ensures that laws address the real concerns of the people.

Tibenda advised parents to avoid unnecessary spending and instead save money to help pay school fees for their children. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)

He expressed disappointment in some leaders, saying voters often place their trust in them with the hope that they will serve the people faithfully, only to end up feeling betrayed.

“We put trust in you knowing that you will be good leaders, but in the end, we regret like the people who never voted,” he said.

Tibenda noted that many citizens participate in elections expecting positive change and accountable leadership, but later become frustrated when leaders fail to fulfil their promises or represent the interests of the communities that elected them.

He also criticised what he described as selective justice in the fight against corruption, saying authorities often target a few individuals while ignoring many others involved in similar practices.

“There is no justice. Many people engage in corruption, but when one person does the same, you find government putting all the efforts on that person and leaving others,” he said.

He called for fairness and equal treatment under the law, arguing that the fight against corruption should be handled impartially without favouritism or discrimination.

As schools prepare to reopen, Tibenda advised parents to avoid unnecessary spending and instead save money to help pay school fees for their children.