BRIDGING FAITHS: NYOMBI THEMBO HOSTS MUSLIMS COMMUNITY FOR IFTAR

KAMPALA, February 25, 2026 – In a powerful display of interfaith solidarity and communal harmony, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon. Nyombi Thembo, hosted a cross-section of Muslim UCC staff and leaders of the Muslim community in Uganda for Iftar dinner at his residence in Kampala.

The chief guest was Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the patriarch of the Muslim community in Uganda. The occasion was also graced by the Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, underscoring the occasion’s spiritual significance.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, was the highest-ranking Government official present, alongside the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Ms Sophia Nantongo. The Buganda Kingdom was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Lukiiko, Owek. Hajj Ahmed Lwasa, and Owek. Amiisi Kakomo, Minister of Agriculture, Co-operatives & Fisheries.

Other distinguished guests included the head teachers of two of Uganda’s most prominent Muslim foundation schools – Kawempe Muslim Secondary School (Hajjat Zulaika Kibirige) and Nabisunsa Girls’ School (Hajjat Janat Namujuzi Kakumba).

In the lush green compound of Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the guests mingled and offered prayers for God’s providence and protection during the holy month of Ramadan. Meanwhile, the uplifting melodies of traditional mataali music filled the air, seamlessly blending spiritual reflection with social connection.

In his message, the main preacher of the day, Sheikh Ali Kachope, praised the host for his thoughtful and generous gesture, a sentiment amplified by the fact that he is not a Muslim. He encouraged fellow Muslims to draw inspiration from the act of interfaith solidarity and to extend similar kindness to others.

Reflecting this spirit of unity, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, together with several of his Christian colleagues in attendance, donned traditional Muslim attire, a symbolic gesture that underscored the interfaith harmony that defined the evening.

In his remarks, Hon. Nyombi Thembo reminded guests that a human being is defined not only by the physical, but also by the spiritual. He revealed that UCC would sponsor two female Muslim staff members for the pilgrimage to Mecca this year, continuing the Commission’s tradition under his leadership of supporting the spiritual well-being of staff alongside other forms of welfare.

The ED also used the occasion to tackle the elephant in the room – child online safety. Noting that Uganda faces both the opportunities and risks presented by social media, he cautioned that children are particularly vulnerable to its negative influences.

“In today’s global village,” he observed, “our children have six billion internet users as neighbours. Any one of these strangers can easily establish a direct line of communication with your child.”

He warned that when a child’s primary request shifts from toys to data, it is a sobering reminder that the internet may be exposing them to harmful influences before they have developed the virtues to navigate them wisely. While UCC continues to implement robust child online safety programmes, he emphasised that regulation alone is not a silver bullet.

“Government cannot police your living room,” he said, describing the protection of children as a collective responsibility. “We must return to a world where virtues lead and technology follows.”

In his remarks, Prince Kassim Nakibinge expressed profound gratitude to the host for the invitation and urged others to emulate this generous gesture, particularly in support of the less privileged, for whom a meal cannot be taken for granted.

He commended UCC for undertaking the often-thankless task of moderating harmful online content, while calling for a balanced approach that safeguards legitimate voices and freedom of expression.

The evening concluded with a sumptuous Iftar dinner and more mataali music, bringing to a close a memorable gathering defined by fellowship and a renewed commitment to brotherhood and unity in diversity.