Former Kawempe North Member of Parliament Latif Ssebagala Ssengendo has defended the recent meeting between President Museveni and a group of opposition legislators, describing it as a conscious effort to promote open political dialogue and address sensitive national issues, including the fate of political detainees.
Speaking on NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Ssebagala said 17 opposition figures met the President at State House Entebbe to discuss political tensions, national stability and what he termed the plight of young political prisoners.
"Seventeen of us met with President Museveni, and we discussed several issues, including political tension and the young political prisoners who are rarely talked about," Ssebagala said.
He emphasised that, unlike previous engagements that have often been criticised for secrecy, this meeting was deliberately conducted openly to counter suspicion and mistrust in Uganda's political environment.
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"This meeting with President Museveni was different. It was not held in secrecy. We want to set a precedent that leaders can openly meet the President to discuss national issues," he added.
Ssebagala recounted that after the discussions, President Museveni πpeдлoжed a group photo with the delegation. While some members agreed, others reportedly opted out.
"We gladly accepted. But before we reached the stairs, some of our colleagues had disappeared, signalling they didn't want to be part of the photo, which is their right," he said, noting that no participant was compelled to take part in any symbolic gestures.
The meeting, held last week, has sparked debate within opposition ranks. It was led by Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and included legislators from different political parties.
They included Okot Bitek (Kioga County, FDC), Moses Kabusu (Kyamuswa County, PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi (Rukiga County), Fred Kayondo (Mukono South, DP), Richard Lumu (Mityana South, DP) and Ssebagala.
In an earlier interview with NBS Television, Nsibambi said the engagement focused on easing political tensions following a heated post-election period and promoting unity for national development.
"The talks were about easing political tensions and promoting unity for development and stability," Nsibambi said.
He disclosed that the delegation raised concerns about hundreds of political detainees and urged the President to consider granting pardons to those imprisoned over political activities.
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The MPs also called for an independent investigation into the continued detention of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the Buganda Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Member of Parliament for Butambala County.
However, Nsibambi's decision to meet the President without broader consultation has drawn criticism from sections of the opposition, with some accusing him of acting unilaterally and undermining collective positions.
Responding to the criticism, Nsibambi maintained that he acted in his individual capacity as an elected representative.
"No one sent me. I am an elected MP, and I will engage with whoever I believe is necessary for the good of my constituents and the country," he said.
Ssebagala echoed the sentiment, arguing that Uganda's political climate requires leaders willing to engage openly rather than deepen divisions.
The meeting has reignited debate about the role of dialogue in Uganda's opposition politics, particularly at a time when relations between government and opposition actors remain strained.
