By Ben Musanje
There was silence in tents for Iftar dinner event in Ntinda on Wednesday evening as Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the Titular Head of Uganda’s Muslim Community, called for a serious crackdown on the misuse of the internet.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at the residence of Nyombi Thembo in Ntinda, Prince Nakibinge urged the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to wipe out individuals who are abusing the digital space.
His remarks followed Thembo’s plan to introduce new systems aimed at blocking children from accessing harmful content on social media.
Nakibinge raised concern over what he described as increasing moral decay on the internet. He said the digital space had turned into a platform for insults, vulgar language, and open abuse. He observed that nowadays everybody acts like an editor on the internet, unlike in the past when people would approach media houses to complain about wrongly reported stories. According to him, there is now little control over what is published online.
He warned that immorality was spreading quickly online and urged UCC to take firm action against offenders. However, he also advised the Commission to create room for people who use the internet to share positive and constructive ideas.
Before delivering his strong message, Nakibinge praised Thembo for organizing the Iftar dinner and welcoming the Muslim community. He reminded Muslims that supporting one another during the breaking of the fast is an obligation, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He stressed that Ramadan is meant for all Muslims, whether rich or poor, because it is a command from Allah that must be respected by everyone, not just a section of believers. He further noted that Muslims should maintain good behaviour even after Ramadan, emphasizing that Allah remains the same in every month of the year.
Nakibinge also urged Muslims to welcome Christians to join them in breaking the fast, noting that some Christians, like Thembo, have shown solidarity with Muslims.
The Iftar dinner attracted several high-profile guests, including Senior State Attorney Fatinah Nakafeero from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Dr Aminah Zawedde, Under Secretary Sophia Nantongo, Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, High Court Judge Justice Mary Kisakye of Mukono, and Dr Muhammad Kaweesi, a lecturer at Busitema University, among other dignitaries.
As the evening ended with feasts, prayers and reflection, it was clear that calls for tighter control of Uganda’s digital space had taken centre stage. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
