The political atmosphere in Uganda seems to be swirling with familiar tactics as Mukono Municipality MP, Betty Nambooze, returns to the spotlight amid renewed allegations of using her health condition to win political sympathy.
Years ago, Nambooze faced public scrutiny and media pressure to provide proof that she had undergone spine surgery after claiming she was hospitalised. Many suspected her of staging a health crisis for political gain.
Despite the growing demands for transparency at the time, Nambooze stood firm, refusing to offer any medical evidence to silence her critics.
Now, as she campaigns once again, similar accusations have resurfaced, with some questioning whether the MP is using her health struggles as a strategy to garner votes.
The debate has sparked a mix of reactions, with her supporters defending her integrity, while others remain sceptical of her motives.
On Monday evening, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze shared a medical certificate revealing her current health status.
Instead of gaining sympathy, she faced strong criticism from local senior politicians who felt she had unnecessarily exposed her private medical details.
The medical document, issued by Manipall Hospital in November 2017, confirmed that Nambooze had metal implants in her spine following a spine surgery.
“This is to certify that Mrs. Bakireke Betty Nambooze (Hospital No: 2370512) underwent a spine surgery Posterior spinal decompression and fusion L4-L5 on 08-11-2017 for Lumbar canal stenosis L4-L5 with instability and right lower limb radiculopathy. She has metal implants in her spine.” The hospital indicated in parts six years ago.
The certificate was initially meant to help her pass through metal detectors at airports and public places like shopping malls and supermarkets without raising suspicion.
In the past, she had encountered difficulties when going through metal detectors, prompting suspicions from security personnel, especially at airports.
While the certificate was meant to clarify her medical condition, Nambooze’s decision to share it now has raised eyebrows.
Some residents and critics are questioning her motive, especially as she faces growing political pressure in the race for the National Unity Platform (NUP) party ticket.
Her main opponent, George Musisi, is gaining traction, and her post comes at a time when her camp is under fire on social media for allegedly spreading propaganda about Musisi’s intentions.
Some local critics, like former Democratic Party candidate Godfrey Kirega Musisi, advised Nambooze to avoid being drawn into desperate political tactics, suggesting that personal matters, like health, should remain private despite political pressure.
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