President Yoweri Museveni has moved to calm the nation following widespread speculation about the health of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni. In recent days, social media has been filled with unverified reports, causing concern among Ugandans.
The reassurance came through Proscovia Nalweyiso, a senior military official and advisor to the president. She shared that the president had personally confirmed that his wife had been unwell but is now steadily recovering.
Speaking during an interview with Ruth Kalibbala Baanika, Brig Gen Nalweyiso relayed the president’s message.
She emphasized that although the First Lady had experienced a health scare, her condition has improved.
“My brother President Yoweri Museveni has told us that Maama fell sick, but she is now getting better,” Nalweyiso said. Her message was meant to reassure the public and reduce growing anxiety.
She added that the First Lady is now stable and called upon Ugandans to continue praying for her full recovery. The call for prayers has been widely echoed across different communities.
The news comes after days of intense speculation, much of it fueled by social media posts. Some of these claims suggested that Mrs Museveni had been admitted to Mbuya Military Hospital in critical condition.
Other rumours went even further, alleging that she had been flown abroad for treatment. These claims gained traction after reports emerged that the president’s official jet had been seen in Atlanta, Georgia.
However, government officials quickly dismissed these reports. They clarified that the aircraft had traveled for routine maintenance and was not involved in any medical emergency.
Despite these clarifications, the rumours continued to spread, creating confusion and worry among the public. Many people took to social media to express concern and seek accurate information.
The situation escalated when false claims emerged suggesting that the First Lady had passed away. These reports were strongly denied by authorities.
In response, law enforcement took action against individuals accused of spreading false information. Arnold Anthony Mukose, a Kampala-based journalist, was charged in court over alleged false reports.
He was accused of broadcasting misleading information and sending false distress signals related to the First Lady’s condition. He denied the charges and was later remanded to Luzira Prison pending further court proceedings.
Brig Gen Nalweyiso also addressed the issue of misinformation directly. She warned that spreading false news, especially about someone’s health or death, can cause unnecessary panic.
She noted that Uganda has previously experienced similar situations where people were wrongly declared dead. In fact, she revealed that she herself had once been a victim of such false reports.
Her remarks served as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. With the speed at which news spreads online, false information can easily be mistaken for truth.
Many leaders and citizens have since called for responsible use of social media. They stress the importance of verifying information before sharing it with others.
As the First Lady continues to recover, attention has shifted toward supporting her and respecting her privacy during this time. Messages of goodwill and prayers continue to pour in from across the country.
The government has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm. Officials maintain that her condition is improving and remains under control.
This incident has once again highlighted the power and risks of social media in shaping public perception. It also underscores the need for clear and timely communication from trusted sources.
For now, Ugandans are being urged to remain calm, ignore unverified reports, and focus on wishing the First Lady a full and speedy recovery.
