MUKONO DISTRICT: The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned what it describes as a coordinated attack and intimidation against journalist David Mwesigwa by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robbina Nabbanja and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine. The backlash followed Mwesigwa’s public reporting on the poor state of health service delivery in Mukono and Kayunga districts.
David Mwesigwa, a reporter with Galaxy TV and Radio, highlighted critical deficiencies in government health centers, including Mukono, Namuganga, and Kayunga. He raised these concerns directly to President Museveni during a post-nomination press conference held at the Electoral Commission offices in Lubowa.
UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda revealed that Mwesigwa initially brought these issues to the president’s attention earlier this year during a meeting with journalists from the greater Mukono sub-region. In response, President Museveni instructed Gen. Nalweyiso to work with Mwesigwa to address the problems. However, when this effort stalled, Mwesigwa sought intervention from Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, who reportedly failed to take effective action.
Despite the seriousness of the reports, Prime Minister Nabbanja and Dr. Atwine publicly branded Mwesigwa a liar and called for his arrest—a move UJA describes as “hostile” and aimed at diverting attention from the real issues. Notably, during her visit to Mukono health facility, Prime Minister Nabbanja acknowledged the urgent need for government action, effectively confirming Mwesigwa’s concerns.
UJA also disclosed discrepancies surrounding the prime minister’s visit to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, where oxygen plants shown to the media were newly installed, contradicting claims of shortages. Furthermore, reports from Namuganga health facility reveal widespread absenteeism among health workers and attempts to influence patient testimonies on service delivery, raising questions about transparency.
The association dismissed claims that Mwesigwa avoided joining the prime minister’s convoy to Kayunga, clarifying that he was present at Mukono and was prevented by police officers from traveling with the group.
Kirunda emphasized that the actions of Prime Minister Nabbanja and Dr. Atwine represent an attack not only on Mwesigwa but on the broader journalistic community. “Freedom of expression and press freedom are guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution and must be respected,” he said.
In response to the prime minister’s directive for Mwesigwa to report to police, UJA declared its unwavering support for the journalist. The association plans to accompany Mwesigwa in large numbers during his police reporting and will provide legal assistance to protect his constitutional rights.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges journalists face in Uganda when reporting on public sector shortcomings and underscores the critical need for government accountability and respectful engagement with the media.
