MECCA — Former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has sent a bold, faith-driven message back to Uganda, declaring he is entirely unafraid of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking from Islam’s holiest city during his pilgrimage, Ssemujju used his platform to condemn what he characterizes as an escalating climate of political persecution in Uganda.
“God Will Come For You”
Reflecting on the temporal nature of political power, Ssemujju warned that no leader is exempt from divine judgment, making a direct reference to the state’s alleged use of secret detention facilities.
“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,” Ssemujju stated. “God will come for you with all your armed security and take you.”
Criticism of Presidential Parenting and Violence
The former legislator did not hold back against President Museveni, openly criticizing him for publicly defending Gen Muhoozi’s controversial conduct. Ssemujju challenged the President’s characterization of his son’s actions:
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The “Passion” Question: “I saw you praising your son… 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?”
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A Cycle of Violence: Ssemujju argued that the younger generation is simply mirroring what they have witnessed, adding, “Mr Museveni, your entire life has been violent… Now even your children and grandchildren think of violence.”
Escalating Tensions and Public Threats
Ssemujju’s departure for Mecca came shortly after explicit public warnings from Gen Kainerugaba.
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The June 18 Threat: The CDF posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “Semujju and Joel will follow very soon,” referring to Ssemujju and Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.
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The Context: This warning followed the high-profile arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Kainerugaba had previously shared an AI-generated image depicting Lukwago and veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in prison uniforms.
Ssemujju noted that his pilgrimage was already underway when Lukwago made his first court appearance, clarifying his absence. He concluded his address by reaffirming that his pilgrimage has completely solidified his resolve: “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.”
