Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has broken his silence from Mecca, where he is currently on a religious pilgrimage, issuing a sharp critique of Uganda’s leadership amid escalating political tensions marked by military arrests and the shutdown of major media outlets.
In a statement shared while in the holy city, Ssemujju said his visit was devoted to prayer for both personal reflection and the future of Uganda, as concerns mount over the country’s political direction.
“I am here in Mecca, where I came to praise God and to pray for myself and our nation,” he said. “In Mecca, we often come to pray, especially for life after earth, which is everlasting.
His remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny on the Ugandan government following controversial detentions allegedly linked to military operations, as well as the recent closure of Nation Media Group outlets in the country.
Ssemujju, who is reportedly facing threats of arrest after comments attributed to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, used his message to warn leaders against impunity, suggesting that no authority supersedes divine judgment.
“There will be a time when we shall all go to God’s ‘basement’ even if you have ‘basements’ here on earth where you hold people,” he said. “God will come for you with all your armed security and take you.”
The former legislator also directed criticism at President Yoweri Museveni, particularly over his public defense of his son’s conduct, which has drawn widespread debate in political and civil society circles.
“What is transpiring in our country brings tears,” Ssemujju said. “I saw you praising your son, with all the things that he is doing. You said he ‘has passion’. His passion is taking people to his basement, locking them up there, beating them up? Is that the passion? Is that how you trained him?”
He further argued that leadership behavior has long-term societal consequences, especially within families, warning that cycles of violence can be perpetuated across generations.
“We need to be careful of the things we do when our kids are watching,” he added. “When you grow up around violence… your entire life has been violent. Now even your children and grandchildren think of violence.”
Despite the tensions and perceived threats, Ssemujju maintained a tone of defiance grounded in faith, stating that he remains unafraid.
“While here in Mecca, I pray for myself and I have no fear in me because there is no one that God will not take away,” he said.