Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has explained why he has chosen to remain outside Uganda, saying he does not want to end up in prison like some opposition leaders.
Ssemujju said his decision to stay away from the country is based on his desire to continue contributing to political activities rather than being locked away and unable to participate.
Speaking in an interview, Ssemujju said he has considered the situation of opposition figures currently in detention before making his decision.
“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?” Ssemujju asked.
He said that although being imprisoned may carry symbolic meaning, it can limit an individual’s ability to continue political work and engage with supporters.
According to Ssemujju, remaining outside the country allows him to continue researching, sharing information and coordinating with others.
“But you can still do research, share information, coordinate with others wherever you are when you are not in Uganda,” he said.
The former legislator stressed that his choice is a personal decision and does not mean every opposition leader should follow the same path.
Ssemujju said every individual must assess their own situation and decide the best way to continue contributing to national issues.
“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 explained that his own assessment led him to choose staying outside Uganda rather than returning and risking detention.
Ssemujju said he believes that leaders can still play a role in political movements even when they are not physically present in the country.
He argued that modern communication allows people to continue engaging with citizens, sharing ideas and supporting causes from different locations.
The former MP said leaving the country should not automatically be viewed as abandoning a political struggle.
He maintained that his commitment to speaking about issues affecting Uganda remains unchanged despite his decision to stay away.
Ssemujju’s comments come after he left Uganda in June, amid concerns about possible arrest and increasing pressure on several opposition figures.
He said he took time to consider what would allow him to remain useful to the people he represents and the wider opposition movement.
The former legislator also pointed to the experiences of leaders such as Dr Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago, who have faced detention and legal battles.
He said imprisonment can take away the ability of leaders to actively participate in political activities outside prison walls.
Ssemujju insisted that his decision was not about fear but about choosing a strategy that allows him to continue making a contribution.
He said political struggles require different approaches, and each person must decide how best to participate.
The former MP concluded that he will continue engaging in public discussions and political activities from wherever he is based.
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