Interview: Solomon Kampala speaks on return to Uganda, running for office

Ssekayi Solomon Kampala Kyagulanyi, the firstborn son of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, is not considering an immediate return to Uganda, citing his studies, security concerns and the need to gain more experience.

Solomon, who turned 21 earlier this month, made the remarks during an interview with US-based activist Mordecai Muriisa in California, where he discussed his political advocacy, future plans and why he speaks out on Ugandan affairs.

Kampala is currently an undergraduate student in the United States pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in data science, with plans to specialise further in the field. He hopes to build a career as a data/computational scientist or an applied mathematician.

In the interview he was asked why is recently involved in political commentary when his family remains endangered in exile.

He revealed that his decision to comment on political issues is driven by concern for people rather than personal ambition.

He said he understands that his family background has given him opportunities that many Ugandans do not have, but believes caring about others should be a natural human responsibility.

“I acknowledge that I have more opportunities because of the family in which I am born and the support we have. But the reason I care is that it is the default state of human beings to care for other human beings,” he said.

Responding to questions about whether he fears for his safety because of his political views, Solomon said he believes his security situation would remain difficult regardless of whether he speaks out.

“The reality is that my life is endangered whether or not I speak,” he said.

“The truth is I am way safer here than I am in Uganda; but if I was in Uganda, I would be in danger regardless of my views. My philosophy is that I do not like to be subdued,” he said.

Solomon also addressed criticism that he encourages Ugandans to engage in acts of resistance while remaining outside the country.

He said he is currently unable to return because he is pursuing his studies and because of threats he believes have been directed at his family.

“Right now I cannot come to Uganda because I am studying and also because the CDF of the UPDF outwardly and publicly threatened to finish my father. What does that mean as his firstborn son? I do not feel safe at all in Uganda.”

Solomon said he does not support violence and maintained that NUP’s approach is based on non-violent political action.

“I never advocate for people to be violent because that goes against our philosophy as NUP. We are non-violent,” he said.

“I believe that people should speak up against injustices.”

The young activist also dismissed speculation that he is preparing to run for political office.

He said his immediate focus is education, professional development and building relationships.

“Not really. What I want to do is to gain as much knowledge as I can,” he said when asked whether he plans to contest for office.

“I am going for grad school and I will be in school for a while. I also want to work and connect with people.”

Solomon said he was still young and did not know what the future held, but believed seeking political office in Uganda at this stage would not be strategically useful.

“I just turned 21; I cannot tell what the future holds. But in Uganda, I don’t think it would be strategically useful for me to be in office. I would be a target for political slander.”

In recent months, Solomon became more vocal on Ugandan political issues, especially on social media, where he has commented on governance, human rights and events involving his family.

But even with his growing public profile, he said his current priority remains education and preparing for a career in science while continuing his advocacy work.