A Political Journey of Defiance and Responsibility
For over two decades, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has been a vocal critic of presidential power in Uganda. In this wide-ranging conversation, he warns that the country is approaching a dangerous crossroads where institutions are collapsing, dissent is criminalized, and the ruling family is positioning itself for a dynastic succession.
Ssemujju argues that the struggle for change is no longer about individual opposition figures but about restoring constitutional order, confronting manufactured political support, and preventing a transition driven by military force rather than democratic legitimacy. He emphasizes that the fight for a better Uganda is not solely his responsibility but requires the collective effort of all citizens, including journalists.
From Journalist to Politician: A Shift in Perspective
Ssemujju began his career as a journalist, holding power to account. He recalls how his early experiences covering Parliament immersed him in political life. He observed how laws were made and often saw things that angered him, especially when processes were abused. He remembers when the Constitution was amended around political parties and the referendum, with laws passed hurriedly, sometimes without MPs reading them.
Over time, living in that environment influenced him. He consumed the arguments of the day, saw the manipulation of laws, and eventually got involved. He never planned to become a politician, but the work he did, especially researching term limits and governance, pulled him in.
Reconciling Past Criticisms with Current Role
One of the most misleading arguments in public debate, according to Ssemujju, is the comparison between his years in Parliament and the presidency. The 1995 Constitution imposed term limits on the President because of the enormous power vested in that office. However, it never limited MPs. In many democracies, MPs serve for decades, as seen with figures like John McCain and Joe Biden in the US.
The real issue in Uganda is presidential longevity. President Museveni removed term limits by bribing MPs with money and has since amended the Constitution whenever it suits him. Comparing his years in Parliament to a President who has ruled for 40 years is completely misguided.
The Role of an MP: Beyond Constituency Work
Ssemujju is seeking re-election as MP for Kira Municipality. Many people believe the constituency can stand without him. He justifies seeking another term by emphasizing that Members of Parliament are not merely constituency councillors. He is a representative in the National Assembly, speaking and working for Uganda. When he is in Parliament, he debates national issues such as budgeting, public debt, revenue, and expenditure, not just local concerns.
He acknowledges that voters believe he represents their views, which is why they elected him in 2016 and again in 2021. He still represents them, but at a national level. Just as a national footballer may come from a club but plays for the country, he debates for Uganda. That is his mandate.
Accountability and Oversight in Parliament
Ssemujju highlights that his role in Parliament is to follow the money and inform citizens how it is used or misused. He does not arrest people or implement policies, but he does oversight. That is why Parliament exists. He believes that the struggle to hold government accountable is ongoing.
The 2026 Election: A New Challenge
Ssemujju faces a contender from the National Unity Platform, a credible, visible, and experienced human-rights activist. He considers this his toughest election yet. Every election is tough, he says, and his first election was tough, the second was tough, and the last one was tougher. In 2021, despite the NUP wave, he won with 45,000 votes.
He notes that every election in Uganda is essentially a referendum on President Museveni. People choose the candidate they believe gives them the best chance of removing him. This is why Besigye’s support in 2016 and Bobi Wine’s support in 2021 were similar — they tapped into the same national desire for change.
Leadership and Institutional Strength
Ssemujju acknowledges that Dr Kizza Besigye’s incarceration has affected his political strength. However, he insists that he wins elections because he mobilizes, organizes, and presents his credentials to voters. Besigye is a major figure nationally and continentally, and his absence creates a vacuum beyond the party. But the struggle continues, even in 2021, when he did not participate in campaigns, and they still won seats.
The Future of Ugandan Politics
Ssemujju believes that if the country fails to handle succession responsibly, new leaders could emerge unpredictably, leading Uganda into the same turmoil that engulfed Sudan, Libya, and parts of Egypt. He urges elder statesmen to continue advising President Museveni to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
He also highlights the importance of unity among opposition forces. While he is a leader in the PFF, he believes that multiplying candidates only weakens the struggle. He advocates for cooperation with all forces, including the clergy, media, and civil society, to focus on the bigger struggle against the current regime.
A Call for Change and Responsibility
Ssemujju remains committed to fighting for freedom and accountability. He believes that the fight for a better Uganda is not his responsibility alone. Everyone, including journalists, must contribute. He calls for a managed transition to prevent chaos and ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
