Ssemujju Nganda Chooses Exile Over Arrest, Cites Continued Opposition Work

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, formerly the Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, has announced his decision to stay outside Uganda indefinitely, rather than return and risk detention. Ssemujju left the country in June amidst heightened concerns for opposition figures’ safety and potential arrests.

His departure followed a warning from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who suggested that Ssemujju and Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi would be “next” after the arrest of opposition politician Erias Lukwago. Ssemujju expressed that while imprisonment might hold symbolic value, it would significantly hinder his personal capacity to contribute to the opposition’s cause.

Speaking in an interview, Ssemujju elaborated that remaining abroad allows him to continue vital activities such as research, information dissemination, and coordination with fellow opposition actors. He stressed that this is a personal decision and not a call for other opposition leaders to also leave the country.

Ssemujju’s choice comes at a time of increased pressure on opposition figures, with Erias Lukwago arrested and charged with misprision of treason, and Dr. Kizza Besigye facing treason-related charges. The former legislator emphasized that individuals and political groups will each make their own assessments of their circumstances and decide on their respective responses.

He clarified that his decision is not an appeal for others to follow suit, but rather a personal strategy to continue his political work and mobilization efforts without the constraints of detention. Ssemujju believes that opposition work can effectively continue regardless of the location of its leaders, as their contributions remain valuable as long as they are actively engaged.

This is a developing story. For more details, please refer to Howwe Entertainment.