Former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda says he would rather remain outside Uganda than return home and risk imprisonment, arguing that staying abroad allows him to continue contributing to the opposition struggle.
Ssemujju left Uganda in June amid growing concerns over possible arrests of opposition figures. His departure came shortly after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba warned that Ssemujju and Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi would be “next” following the arrest of opposition figure Erias Lukwago.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Baker Batte, Ssemujju said imprisonment could carry symbolic value but would limit his ability to contribute to the opposition.
“If I go to prison like the Honorable Erias Lukwago and Doctor Kizza Besigye, maybe the worst is Sam Mugumya, will I still be making a contribution? Yes, there can be a symbolic value in you being in prison, but you as a person, you will not be making a contribution that you can make,” he said.
Ssemujju argued that remaining outside Uganda allows him to continue researching, sharing information and coordinating with other opposition actors.
“But you can still do research, share information, coordinate with others wherever you are when you are not in Uganda. So, it’s a personal decision, and I’m not saying everybody should get out of Uganda. It’s a personal decision,” he added.
His decision comes amid increased pressure on opposition figures. Lukwago was arrested in June and charged with misprision of treason, while Dr Kizza Besigye remains detained over treason-related charges.
Ssemujju had previously travelled to Mecca after Muhoozi’s warning and said at the time that he had missed Lukwago’s court appearance because he was travelling.
'Everyone Will Make Their Own Decision'
Ssemujju stressed that he does not expect other opposition figures to follow his example, saying individuals and political groups will assess their circumstances before deciding how to respond.
“There are those who will go to prison, there are those who will go silent. So, every person and group will make assessments, and then they will make a decision,” he said.
He added that his decision was to remain outside Uganda rather than risk arrest and detention.
“The decision I have made as of today is that I would rather stay out and continue talking and continue mobilizing, rather than staying in Uganda and go to the basement, give pleasure to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and then take me that Kitalya prison Muwanga Kivumbi is or Luzira prison where Lukwago and Besigye are,” Ssemujju said.
The former legislator further clarified that his decision should not be interpreted as an appeal for other opposition leaders to leave the country.
“So really, that’s a personal decision that I made, and I don’t want to ask anyone to make a similar decision. Our assessments will determine our response,” he said.
Opposition Work Can Continue Abroad
Despite operating from outside Uganda, Ssemujju maintained that opposition activities can continue regardless of where individual leaders are based.
“The people we work with will continue doing the work, and we are making a contribution by the way wherever we are because if we were not making a contribution, you wouldn’t be looking for me and interviewing me. I would be in bed sleeping. So that contribution we will continue making, and it doesn’t matter the location,” he said.