Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, Head of Mobilization for the National Unity Platform (NUP) and elder brother to party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has publicly condemned his son, Churchill James Ssentamu, for appearing in photographs with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Churchill, who serves as the 91st Guild President of Makerere University, was pictured alongside the President during the launch of the university’s Research and Innovation Week on Tuesday.
The images have since gone viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions and heated debate among the public.
In a video circulating widely online, Nyanzi expressed disappointment in his son’s actions and urged him to apologize to Ugandans.
“I have seen pictures of my son Churchill Ssentamu with Museveni. That is a betrayal to Ugandans. You need to come out and apologize to the people,” Nyanzi said.
He added that the President posed a personal threat to the Ssentamu family.
“The man you were seen with tried to kill me two months ago. His hands are bloodstained. You also know he tried to kill your uncle, Kyagulanyi. Please avoid him,” Nyanzi cautioned.
According to Nyanzi, agents of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) intentionally orchestrated the moment to exploit it for political mileage.
“Museveni has always wanted to manipulate the Ssentamu family by clinging to one of us. Now he has those photos, but they won’t help him at all,” he said.
Despite Churchill contesting as an independent in the Makerere Guild elections, Nyanzi reminded his son of his roots.
“You may have contested independently, but you are our son, and the world expects much from you,” he stated.
Nyanzi went as far as advising Churchill to step down from student leadership if he felt overwhelmed.
“If this puts you in a tough position, please resign and focus on your studies to avoid more trouble and disappointing Ugandans,” he added.
President Museveni was the chief guest at the Makerere Innovation Week event where the controversial images were taken.
Whether Churchill Ssentamu will heed his father’s call and issue an apology remains to be seen.