In the wake of the 32nd anniversary celebrations of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s coronation anniversary as Kabaka of Buganda, veteran media personality Charles James Senkubuge made a stirring observation of Sheikh Prince Kassim Nakibinge reference of Haruna Kasolo, the Microfinance state minister, as a Caesar minister.
This was during the prayers at Kibuli on July 31, 2025. Kasolo, was present as the central government representative and the remarks sparked some unnecessary tension in political circles without clear justification.
Some have misinterpreted it as a slight against the minister and President Museveni. However, a thoughtful examination suggests that Senkubuge and his audience may have overlooked the intended context, and this misreading of Nakibinge’s speech could potentially strain relations between the Buganda kingdom, the Muslim leadership and the central government.
Therefore, it is only fitting for me to explore this matter through biblical and contextual lenses to promote harmony and address recent developments, while honoring all perspectives involved.
BIBLICAL CONTEXT
The phrase “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21) stems from Jesus’ insightful response to a question about Roman taxes. When shown a coin bearing Caesar’s image, Jesus thoughtfully distinguished between earthly responsibilities—such as taxes and civic duties—and divine devotion, represented by spiritual allegiance.
Far from an insult, this teaching acknowledges Caesar’s authority over material governance while affirming God’s ultimate sovereignty. Renowned Christian scholars, including Jacques Ellul, view it as a balanced approach, encouraging cooperation with secular powers where it aligns with higher principles, fostering peace rather than division.
NAKIBINGE’S CONTEXT
Sheikh Nakibinge, a respected Buganda royal and advisor to the Kabaka, likely employed this biblical imagery with deliberate care. With Kasolo present as a representative of the central government, Nakibinge’s “Caesar’s minister” comment may have been a thoughtful nod to Kasolo’s role within the state’s administrative sphere—akin to Caesar’s domain—while the prayer event honored the Kabaka and God’s spiritual authority.
Meanwhile, Senkubuge’s view appears to arise from a literal or politically influenced reading that may not fully reflect the historical harmony between Buganda’s monarchy and central governance.
While his platform fosters vibrant discussion, a deeper consideration of context could enrich his valuable contribution, especially given his influential role in media and community leadership. Notably, Kasolo, the subject of the remark, has shown no indication of offense.
Had it been intended as an insult, Kasolo might have responded directly. Instead, he delivered an inspiring nation-building speech at Kibuli, framing the restoration of the Buganda kingdom as a moment for reflection.
Kasolo aimed to remind today’s commentators that the government of President Museveni restored kingdoms, particularly the Buganda kingdom, in 1993, a landmark event in Uganda’s history.
He highlighted how President Museveni and Kabaka Mutebi II have navigated stages of rebuilding the state, fostering a coexistence that unites Uganda today. Kasolo emphasized that this period is one of gratitude to God for the wisdom of leaders in both the central government and the Buganda kingdom, noting that Uganda is more united now than ever before.
This response reflects Kasolo’s diplomatic grace, consistent with his role as Microfinance state minister, and suggests Nakibinge’s comment was a contextual acknowledgment of his governmental role rather than a criticism. Going forward, Nakibinge’s words invite a spirit of cooperation.
Kasolo’s presence reflected the “Caesar’s” domain, while the Kabaka’s celebration uplifts a spiritual narrative, echoing Jesus’ call for balanced loyalty. Senkubuge’s commentary, when viewed alongside Kasolo’s unifying message, presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue.
Drawing on his esteemed position as a cultural icon and media leader, Senkubuge can play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, helping to prevent any unintended rift and strengthening unity among Uganda’s diverse leadership structures.
This moment underscores the importance of thoughtful interpretation to nurture peace in political circles.
The author is a veteran journalist and deputy RDC Kassanda district.
Lots of political hot air. The bloody war of Luweero 1980/86 let alone the Uganda destructive civil wars of 1966 and 1979 had nothing to do with Jesus and Ceasar’s charities. These Uganda wars were very brutal wars to try and destroy the Kingdom state of Buganda so that it is replaced by the dodgy Republican country of Uganda. A constant and recycled personal African dictatorship at state house, Entebbe. It is unfortunate that these Muslim fraternity do not see how this long serving central government has failed to manage its responsibilities for the people of this country. The Kingdom state of Buganda must not continue to participate in NRM national elections that are not free and fair. The national elections are full of Gerrymandering. The elections are violent and not up to international standard of democratic processes. The Kingdom state of Buganda is not going to be in that Jesus and Ceasar biblical stories that exterminated that brutal Ceasar’s Roman Empire and murdered Jesus. This ancient Kingdom of Buganda presently pays lots of modern taxes to Central government and in return receives peanuts!
# 3 Weeks of UNTHINKABLES
UNTHINKABLE 1:
40 years after the bush war ended , one of the true bush fighters- Maj.Gen. Elly Kayanja weptin public . This was because his 90 year old Mum asked him the unthinkable question : ” you said that your friends were left in the bush dead , is this what they died for…” ( Stealing votes in broad day light)
All of a sudden , Kayanja discovered that elections can get rigged. Mrs Special Kinyamatama had out-cashed Kayanja`s dear sister in those NRM local elections.
Ha !
UNTHINKABLE 2:
40 years of unquestinable support for NRMuseveni , Capt. Babu finally broke down . The clearly outraged Capt. took off his gloves and went loco, uttering unthinkable rhetorical stuff : ” when WE put YOU in power , did YOU have money ? You had nothing …now you are rich , we are not …but we know who steals money … WE know the Banks where your stolen money is hidden…. hate , discrimination .. why ? Me, I buried mine ( his son).. I don`t care what you do to me, people are angry and tired .. enough is enough.. ”
Well , it seems like for the last 30+ years . Capt. Babu had not been aware that these things happen until his wife become a victim
UNTHINKABLE 3:
H.M.the Kabaka cerebrates his 32 years on the throne ( Congrats!) Among the many witty language Prince Nakibinge used that day was the usage of the word ” Kayisali” ( Luganda version of Caeser ). For some bizarre reason , one Ssenkubuge ( a famous playwright ) got really annoyed and broke into an unthinkable rant : ” Kayisali….hmm !!!…. these are things that should be said by a malwa drinker … YOU are a Prince and the leader of Islam …Kayisali ???!!!.. YOU Baganda must STOP isolating yourselves … if you want to lead , you must befriend people of other tribes … Banyakole , Bagishu , Bakaramoja , Bacoli … you must befriend everybody .. Kayisali….!!???……” ( Full Figure cheered on )
As if it was not enough to compare the leader of Islam in Uganda to a drunkard , Ssenkubuge was not done; he indulged in another unthinkable ,had a go at the Kabaka and implied that the Kabaka is selfish and does not care about his suffering people
Ssenkubuge : ” why do you reject the salary and the car that is offered by the government ..? you take it and give it to a school that has nothing ….
Hmmm!
Now , I must ask Mr. Mike Ssegawa some unthinkable questions :
If I may tell by your name , you are a Muganda . If I may accept your titles as a veteran journalist and a deputy DRC , then I need to know why you are more concerned with Prince Nakibinge`s Caesar remarks but not the insulting words that Ssenkubuge used against the Prince and the Kabaka ?
And , why are you not bothered that of all the high-ranking government officials , a junior Minister was the one who was chosen to represent the central government ?
Also , do you agree that Ssenkubuge should lecture Baganda ( like you) on how to befriend people from other tribes ? Where is the evidence that Baganda “isolate themselves”?