Former Minister and NRM Vice Chairman, Capt. Mike Mukula, has confirmed that his son, Rodney Mukula, who is running as an independent candidate for Soroti City East in the 2026 parliamentary elections, is receiving medical treatment for poisoning. The shocking revelation came in a video statement recorded from Nakasero Hospital, where Rodney was evacuated after experiencing a sudden medical emergency.
Rodney Mukula, known for his community-focused work in healthcare and education, was rushed to the hospital after collapsing twice—once in the early hours of the morning and again later in the day. He initially received treatment at Doctor’s Plaza Hospital before being transferred to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where emergency protocols were activated to address his critical condition. Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, a Uganda Police toxicologist, was placed on standby, confirming that an official investigation into the poisoning has begun.
In his emotional video, Capt. Mike Mukula shared his distress over the incident, noting that the painful experience has vindicated his long-standing reservations about his son joining politics. “I did not want Rodney to join politics. It took me over three to four months trying to dissuade him from joining,” Capt. Mukula admitted, reflecting on his father’s protective instincts. He expressed deep concern for his son’s safety, acknowledging that the political arena is fraught with danger and intrigue.
The elder Mukula revealed that Rodney had been driven by a desire to serve his community, which led him to pursue a political career despite his father’s warnings. “To have seen him in this pain now really vindicates me to say that I had told him that politics is a very dangerous game, full of intrigue, scheming, and manipulation,” Capt. Mukula stated.
Rodney, who is contesting in a hotly contested race against Isaac Orego, the NRM candidate, in Soroti City East, is currently undergoing treatment and is said to be in stable condition. His candidacy has attracted attention, given his background in public service, but this poisoning incident has raised alarms about the lengths to which political rivals might go in a highly charged election season.
While the Mukula family is relieved that Rodney is receiving care, Capt. Mukula took the opportunity to issue a caution to his son and others contemplating a life in politics. He urged Rodney to learn from this incident and exercise greater caution in the future, advising him to be mindful of his safety, food, and associates. “I hope he learns a lesson. Now that he has chosen this path, he must be more careful in the future,” said Capt. Mukula.
The poisoning incident comes just days after another alarming event that shook the Mukula family. Gladys Mukula, Capt. Mike Mukula’s wife, was involved in a car crash at the Clock Tower Flyover, which caused significant damage to her vehicle. Though she survived the crash, the proximity of these two frightening events—a near-fatal car accident and the confirmed poisoning of their son—has led to growing concerns that the Mukula family may be facing targeted threats.
The political climate in Uganda has become increasingly charged, especially as the 2026 elections approach. While the authorities have launched investigations into both incidents, the Mukula family’s recent experiences highlight the potential dangers faced by public figures in the country’s highly competitive political landscape.
In conclusion, the poisoning of Rodney Mukula serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with public service, particularly in a country where political rivalries can sometimes lead to extreme measures. As the Mukula family navigates these challenges, their story underscores the complex and often dangerous nature of Uganda’s political environment, especially for those willing to challenge the established order in pursuit of change.
