Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has criticised people who attacked him online after he visited jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye at Mulago National Referral Hospital, saying such criticism reflects “backward politics.”Baryomunsi said he was insulted by some social media users who questioned why he visited Besigye because he is a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).“
The other day I went to check on Col Dr Kizza Besigye and a lot of people insulted me online saying, ‘You are an NRM person. Why had you gone to see him?’ This backward politics needs to stop,” he said.The minister said his responsibility is to provide healthcare for all Ugandans regardless of their political beliefs.
He added that being an NRM member does not prevent him from showing concern for opposition figures or any citizen facing health challenges.Baryomunsi revealed that he would brief President Yoweri Museveni about Besigye’s health, saying the President appointed him to oversee healthcare for all Ugandans.
His remarks come amid debate over Besigye’s health after he collapsed during court proceedings and was admitted to Mulago Hospital. He was later returned to Luzira Prison, a move that raised concerns from his wife Winnie Byanyima, who said he was still too weak and needed continued medical support.Baryomunsi maintained that his visit was based on his duty as Health Minister, not politics, urging Ugandans to respect each other despite political differences.
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