Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has dismissed reports claiming she ordered the arrest of Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigye, calling them false and misleading.
Her communications officer, Francis Jjingo, clarified that the Prime Minister never instructed police to detain the journalist. Instead, she asked Mwesigye to apologize for allegedly providing inaccurate information to President Museveni and the nation.
The controversy arose during President Museveni’s nomination at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lweza, Makindye Ssabagabo, when Mwesigye raised concerns about Mukono Referral Hospital, Namuganga Health Centre III, and Kayunga General Hospital. He reported shortages of medical equipment and staff, poor patient care, and claimed that mothers were delivering on the floor, while Kayunga Hospital’s oxygen plant was not functioning.
President Museveni subsequently directed Prime Minister Nabbanja to visit the hospitals for verification. After her inspection, she confirmed that Mukono Referral Hospital faced challenges but stated that Mwesigye’s claims about Kayunga Hospital were inaccurate.
“I agree with journalist Mwesigye on Mukono Referral Hospital, but he should apologize to the President for giving false information about Kayunga Hospital,” Nabbanja said.
She added, “I never ordered his arrest. I only asked him to make a statement with police regarding his false allegations. Journalists are crucial in educating and informing the public, but some are misused by politicians to spread misinformation.”
