Political commentator Frank Gashumba has opened up about how his perspective on life changed after starting a family, revealing that there was a time when he was not afraid of death and had lost hope in life.
Gashumba made the revelation while commenting on former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda’s decision to remain in exile, saying personal circumstances can influence the choices people make during challenging times.
According to Gashumba, there was a period in his life when he had given up and was only focused on enjoying the money he had accumulated.
“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,” Gashumba said.
He explained that having a family changed his priorities and gave him more reasons to protect his life and think about the future.
Gashumba said people’s decisions are often shaped by their responsibilities, experiences and the people who depend on them.
While discussing Ssemujju’s decision to stay outside Uganda, Gashumba said he supports the former legislator’s choice, arguing that survival is important if someone wants to continue making a contribution.
“So, 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,” he said.
Gashumba said some Ugandans choose to remain outside the country because of fear of arrest, detention or other challenges they believe they may face if they return.
“There is too much fear. These are facts. People are scared. It’s unbelievable,” he said.
He questioned whether living in exile could be preferable to being detained in places such as Luzira and Kigo prisons.
Ssemujju has said his decision to remain outside Uganda was personal and should not be viewed as a direction for all opposition politicians.
He said staying abroad allows him to continue carrying out research, advocacy and coordination work that he believes would be limited if he was imprisoned.
The former MP explained that while being in prison can have symbolic value, it may prevent a person from making the wider contribution they are capable of making.
Ssemujju left Uganda in June amid fears that he could be arrested and jailed, following increased political tensions involving opposition figures.
He said his choice was based on his own assessment of the situation and was not meant to encourage other politicians to leave the country.
Gashumba’s remarks have generated discussion about how family responsibilities can influence decisions, especially among public figures facing difficult circumstances.
He suggested that a person’s priorities can change significantly when they become responsible for others.
The political commentator’s comments also highlighted the different ways individuals respond to pressure, with some choosing to remain active from outside the country while others continue their struggles from within.
Ssemujju maintained that political work can continue regardless of location, saying people can still contribute through communication, research and engagement with others.
The debate surrounding exile, political participation and personal safety continues as different public figures explain the choices they make during challenging periods.
