Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has reaffirmed his party’s commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of all Ugandans, while highlighting ongoing political tensions as the country approaches its next electoral cycle.
Speaking during NBS Frontline on Thursday, Ssemujju emphasized that his party, the People’s Front for Freedom, is not solely focused on four time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, but advocates for “every Ugandan’s freedom.”
“Our party is called People’s Front for Freedom and it’s not only Besigye’s freedom but every Ugandan’s freedom,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju acknowledged that Besigye remains a significant figure in national politics, despite his absence from the presidential race, noting that debates over electoral prospects now center primarily on vote percentages.
“Dr. Besigye is still a factor in the elections. We can only argue on the percentages,” he said.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Spokesperson also criticized the electoral strategy of President Museveni, asserting that the incumbent is focusing his efforts on securing votes in the North, East, and West, while allegedly abandoning the central region.
“Museveni wants to win this election by winning the North, East, and West. Museveni has given up on the central region,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju’s comments come at a sensitive moment, as Uganda marks one year since Besigye and his co-accused, Lutale, were abducted in Nairobi on 16 November 2024 and subsequently detained in Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
The duo was arraigned before the General Court Martial on charges relating to national security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Over the past year, court proceedings have produced little progress toward trial.
High Court Justice Rosette Comfort Kania rejected their first formal bail application in April 2025, despite acknowledging that legal thresholds for release had been met.
The defence cited Besigye’s age (68), deteriorating health, and prolonged pre-trial detention exceeding 150 days. Justice Kania’s ruling, which cited Besigye and Lutale’s “high standing in society” and the seriousness of the treason charges, drew criticism from constitutional lawyers for allegedly undermining Ugandan bail law.
Subsequent bail applications, including a mandatory application filed in May 2025 and later considered by Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the High Court, have similarly stalled.
Justice Baguma dismissed the mandatory bail, ruling that the 180-day pre-trial limit began in February 2025—contradicting the defence’s argument that lawful detention began in November 2024. A renewed bail petition remains pending amid calls for the judge’s recusal over alleged bias.
Besigye’s detention has reignited national debates over political freedom, judicial independence, and the treatment of opposition leaders.
Analysts warn that his continued incarceration could have significant implications for Uganda’s political stability, particularly with elections approaching.
Despite stepping back from presidential contests after 2016, Besigye remains a central figure in opposition politics, and his situation underscores the persistent tensions between state authority and political dissent in the country.
Ssemujju’s remarks, emphasizing collective freedom beyond any single individual, signal a growing determination among opposition leaders to challenge perceived political repression, even as legal and electoral battles continue to unfold