Colonel Samson Mande, a former bush war fighter, has returned to Uganda after 25 years in exile. He was welcomed back by President Yoweri Museveni during the Independence Day celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Col. Mande, a key figure in the 1986 liberation struggle and one of the founding members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), had previously fallen out with the government and was linked to rebel activities while abroad.
Mande began his military journey in 1979 as a volunteer scout for the Task Force Division of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) under Major General Silas Mayunga. He later commanded the 15th Battalion during the Siege of Masaka in 1985.
“Col. Mande did a good job as commander of the 15th Battalion during the Siege of Masaka and in subsequent assignments. We welcome him,” President Museveni said.
“Even today, I am happy to welcome back into a peaceful Uganda, Col. Samson Mande, who had fled into exile apparently due to some internal intrigue,” Museveni added. “While in exile, he attempted to engage in rebel activities. However, when our cadres contacted him in Sweden, he gladly agreed to return and sever ties with the rebellion.”
Mande was also involved in the 1978 efforts to overthrow the regime of Idi Amin. He later joined the NRA guerrilla movement but eventually fell out with the establishment and went into exile, first in Rwanda, then in Sweden.
“I’m officially back, and I’m home to stay,” Mande declared.
“I believe God makes things happen at the right time, and this is the right time for me to return. I’m humbled and excited. I know many people will be excited too while others may be surprised. But as the saying goes: east or west, home is best.”
Speaking about his exile, Mande revealed: “I was tortured mentally, faced several frivolous charges, and was denied a speedy and public trial. I didn’t flee from prosecution, I fled from persecution.”
He added: “I had been tortured physically. You may recall that I was admitted to Mulago Hospital for six months being treated for torture wounds. That treatment was inadequate, so I sought better care abroad.”
Clarifying his departure, Mande said: “People say I fled from trial, but it wasn’t a trial, it was an escape from calamity. When you’re leaving a disaster, you don’t need to say goodbye. You don’t need permission. You just need to save yourself. That’s how I left.”
