Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said he would rather remain outside Uganda than return home and risk being arrested and imprisoned.
Ssemujju, who left the country in June, said his decision to stay away is personal and is based on his assessment of what would allow him to continue contributing to political activities.
The former legislator made the remarks during an interview with journalist Baker Batte, where he discussed his decision to remain in exile and the future of opposition politics.
Ssemujju said that while imprisonment may have symbolic value, it could limit his ability to continue mobilising, sharing information and participating in political activities.
“If I go to prison like the Honourable 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.
He argued that being outside Uganda gives him more space to continue his work compared to being behind bars.
“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,” Ssemujju said.
The former MP said he was not advising all opposition members to leave the country, but rather explaining the choice he personally made after considering different circumstances.
His comments come months after he left Uganda amid fears of possible arrest following political tensions involving several opposition figures.
Ssemujju said opposition leaders must individually assess their situations and decide what action best enables them to continue serving their cause.
“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 own decision was to remain outside the country and continue speaking out rather than risk detention.
“The decision I have made as of today is that I would rather stay out and continue talking and continue mobilising, rather than staying in Uganda and go to the basement (torture chamber), give pleasure to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and then take me to Kitalya Prison or Luzira Prison where Lukwago and Besigye are,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju referred to the detention of opposition figures including Dr Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago, Muwanga Kivumbi and Sam Mugumya while explaining his concerns.
He said that although some people may view imprisonment as a sign of commitment to a political struggle, detention can also prevent leaders from actively participating in their work.
The former MP insisted that his decision was not a sign of abandoning the opposition movement.
He said political work can continue regardless of where leaders are located, arguing that communication, research and mobilisation can still be done from outside the country.
“The people we work with will continue doing the work, and we are making a contribution by the way wherever we are,” Ssemujju said.
He added that the fact that people continue seeking his views shows that he is still contributing to public discussions.
Ssemujju said the opposition movement is bigger than individual leaders and will continue despite challenges facing its members.
His remarks have sparked debate among Ugandans, with some questioning whether political leaders should remain in the country during difficult times while others argue that safety allows them to continue their activism.
The former MP maintained that every individual must make personal decisions based on their circumstances and responsibilities.
He said his focus remains on continuing to participate in political discussions and contributing to Uganda’s future from wherever he is.
