Simon Kaggwa Tells Ugandans: “Yes, I chose peace and I’m unapologetic"
Journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala has defended his decision to maintain what he describes as “peaceful detachment” from Uganda’s escalating political tensions, following criticism over his perceived silence on recent high-profile arrests and alleged abductions targeting government critics.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over a series of military-style arrests that have drawn condemnation from rights groups and political figures.
The latest controversy surrounds the reported detention of Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago, an incident that has intensified debate on political freedoms and the conduct of security agencies.
Njala, responding to accusations that he has avoided speaking out on such developments, said he has deliberately chosen restraint in his public commentary.
“Yes, I chose peace and I’m unapologetic,” he stated. “What is happening currently smacks of unrest. Tormenting people because of their political beliefs should never be a norm in a civilized country.”
His comments reflect a growing unease among sections of the public and media circles over the state of civic space in Uganda, where reports of abductions and heavy-handed arrests have become increasingly common in recent years.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that such incidents risk undermining trust in state institutions and escalating political polarization.
While Njala did not directly align himself with any political grouping, his statement signals concern over what he termed the normalization of fear-driven governance practices.
He emphasized that restraint should not be misinterpreted as indifference, suggesting that silence can sometimes be a personal stance against escalating public hostility.