Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has dismissed circulating rumours about her alleged illness and hospitalisation, describing claims of her being critically ill as false and misleading.
The rumours, which spread widely on social media over the weekend, suggested that Kadaga had been airlifted to Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital after reportedly collapsing from campaign fatigue, barely 25 days before the general elections. The reports claimed she was in critical condition.
However, Kadaga swiftly refuted the claims in a statement on her official social media account. “Stop spreading rumours. I am actually seated in my home; I have not been anywhere near Aga Khan Hospital,” she wrote.
Earlier, Uganda Radio Network had quoted sources saying the veteran politician was responding well to treatment and urged the public to remain calm and continue praying for her recovery, while dismissing reports of her death as unfounded.
The conflicting reports sparked public debate, with some commentators calling for clearer communication to dispel speculation. Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo suggested that a time-stamped photo or video, or a public appearance, would help allay public concern. “If you sent a photo or video of you at home with a time stamp it would be a lot more helpful to allay the rumours,” Opiyo said.
Others struck a conciliatory tone, noting that illness is a normal human experience. “Either way, it’s also normal to get an illness and check into a hospital or care facility… nothing strange,” commented Moses Otai, wishing Kadaga well.
Kadaga, a long-serving public figure and former Speaker of Parliament, has remained active in national politics and regional affairs.
Her clarification appears to have eased some of the speculation, even as discussions continue about the responsibility of the public and media to verify information before sharing it, especially during the politically charged campaign period.
