I Miss Uganda, But I Fear Being Taken to the Basement– Ssemujju Nganda Explains Why He Remains in Exile

Former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has opened up about his longing to return to Uganda, revealing that fears for his safety continue to keep him abroad. The former legislator says living in exile was never part of his plans, but the circumstances surrounding his departure have made returning home a difficult decision.

Speaking on NTV’s *Ebigambo Tebitta* programme, Nganda explained that he had spent his entire life in Uganda and had never imagined settling in another country. He said his trips abroad had previously been for work, adding that he would prefer to live in his own country rather than remain outside Uganda.

“In my whole life I never lived or studied abroad. I only travelled for work. I wouldn’t want to live abroad even for a day except if it is for work. I wish to be in my country,” he said, expressing his desire to return home.

However, Nganda said his longing to return must be weighed against what he fears could happen if he comes back. He described the choice as one between remaining abroad and risking being taken to what he called the “basement,” a reference to alleged detention and mistreatment. He said staying outside Uganda currently appeared to be the safer option.

The former MP attributed his fears to threats he alleges were made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also heads the Patriotic League of Uganda. Nganda claimed that the threats extended to his relatives, leaving him concerned that returning could expose him to detention or mistreatment.

“I have done nothing wrong and neither has any other person that is currently exiled,” Nganda said. He also referred to Muhoozi’s public statements about people allegedly taken to the basement, arguing that such remarks had contributed to his fears about what might happen if he returned.

Nganda has been a vocal critic of the government and military involvement in politics, having served in opposition politics through the Forum for Democratic Change and later the People’s Front for Freedom. His decision to remain abroad, he explained, should not be interpreted as a rejection of Uganda, but as a precaution based on his concerns about personal safety.

Despite his fears, Nganda has not ruled out returning home. He says he hopes the political and security situation will improve enough for him to come back without fearing for his freedom or safety. For now, his remarks highlight the difficult choice he says he faces: the desire to live in his own country versus the fear of what may await him if he returns.