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Imam Kasozi: Some NUP members were unhappy with Ssegirinya, Ssewanya's release

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Imam Kasozi: Some NUP members were unhappy with Ssegirinya, Ssewanya's release
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Political analyst and academic Imam Idd Kasozi has highlighted internal divisions within opposition political groups, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), following the release of MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanya from prison.

While many celebrated their release, Kasozi observed that some NUP members seemed dissatisfied, potentially preferring their continued detention.

"If we examine the statements made after the release of the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, and Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanya, were they really normal? Some NUP members appeared unhappy about their release. They probably preferred their continued detention," Kasozi remarked.

In 2021, Ssegirinya and Ssewanya were arrested on charges of murder and terrorism, a period during which Ssegirinya's health severely deteriorated, ultimately leading to his death.

Though they were granted bail in 2023, their release became a topic of public debate, with some speculating that negotiations had taken place with the government for their release.

Kasozi also criticized the exploitation of grassroots supporters, often referred to as "foot soldiers," whom he believes are being used in unsustainable ways.

Appearing on NBS TV's Morning Breeze on Monday, Kasozi expressed concern about the growing political intolerance and division in Uganda, stressing the negative impact of misleading political narratives and the ongoing struggle for survival among the nation's leaders.

"The so-called foot soldiers are being used for tasks that are not sustainable. They're being misled and don't fully understand what's going on," he stated.

Kasozi emphasised the lack of direction for those involved in political struggles, suggesting that the political climate reflects a broader issue where survival takes precedence over unity and vision.

He also noted that many once-respected figures, who were seen as pillars of society, are now focused on survival, with less attention to national progress.

“What happened yesterday is a reflection of the lack of political tolerance. It's a struggle for survival, and that's what’s driving things. Respected individuals, who we once looked up to, are now simply trying to survive,” Kasozi remarked.

Kasozi urged Uganda's political leaders to prioritise unity and engage in meaningful dialogue for the country's well-being.

“The leaders need to come together. We know we have different ideologies and perspectives, but Uganda is one, and it’s the only country we have,” Kasozi emphasised, advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant political approach.

The division within the political sphere was further evident during the final send-off of the late Kawempe North MP.

Disagreements over whether Ssegirinya should receive an official send-off organised by Parliament led to heightened tensions.

While Parliament proposed a formal ceremony, NUP leaders rejected the plan, accusing Parliament of exploiting the event for political gain.

Ssegirinya, who passed away after a prolonged illness, left behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to his constituents.

His burial took place in an emotional ceremony in Butale village, Masaka District.

However, the funeral was marred by a rift between NUP leaders and Parliament representatives, leading to two parallel send-off events.

Tensions escalated further when a dispute arose over the burial venue. Parliament had designated a playground near the late MP’s parental home, but NUP leaders opposed the choice, advocating for a simpler, community-centered farewell.

Chaos ensued when NUP supporters blocked police pallbearers from accessing the Parliament-designated venue.

A heavy deployment of police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces was called in to restore order, though their presence only heightened the tensions.

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