Political commentator Frank Gashumba has defended former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda’s decision to remain in exile, arguing that staying alive and free gives him a better chance to continue contributing to public affairs.“I support Ssemujju for going into exile. A lion can’t be tough when it’s dead. Even a cat can pee in a dead lion’s ears,” Gashumba said.
He said fear of arrest and detention has influenced some Ugandans to remain outside the country, questioning whether exile can sometimes be preferable to imprisonment.“There is too much fear. These are facts. People are scared. It’s unbelievable,” he added.Ssemujju, who left Uganda in June, has said his decision was personal and based on his assessment of the political situation. He maintains that staying abroad allows him to continue research, advocacy and coordination.
The former MP also questioned whether imprisonment would allow him to make the same contribution, citing the cases of Erias Lukwago and Kizza Besigye.Gashumba also revealed how his own outlook on life changed after starting a family.“I wasn’t scared of death. I had given up on life. I would just enjoy my money. But now things changed now that I have a family,” he said.His remarks have renewed debate over the difficult choices public figures face between political activism, personal safety and the ability to continue serving society.
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