Uganda Journalist David Mwesigwa Goes Into Hiding as PM Targets Him Over Hospital Exposé

Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigwa has gone into hiding after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja directed police to summon him over an exposé highlighting the poor state of health facilities in Mukono, Kayunga, and Namuganga Health Center III.

The standoff began last Tuesday when Mwesigwa raised the issue directly with President Yoweri Museveni at the Electoral Commission offices in Lweza, shortly after the President’s nomination for another term.

“When I was in State House in June, I reported to you, Your Excellency, that in Mukono General Hospital, Kayunga General Hospital, and Namuganga Health Center III, mothers give birth on the floor. I also reported that in Kayunga Hospital, oxygen plants have been faulty for one and a half years. I further reported that Namuganga Health Center III has only four doctors who don’t work on weekends,” Mwesigwa told Museveni.

The President instructed Nabbanja to follow up on the concerns, prompting her to visit the facilities.

At Mukono Hospital, the Prime Minister acknowledged the overwhelming patient numbers, noting that expectant mothers had filled wards and even corridors.

“The turnout of patients shows that doctors there are working. The hospital is too crowded, to the extent we had nowhere to pass. But we appreciate that this is a regional hospital,” Nabbanja said.

However, during her stop at Kayunga Hospital, Nabbanja dismissed Mwesigwa’s claims that the oxygen plant had been faulty for over a year, branding the report as false. She then directed police to summon the journalist, insisting he must retract his statements and issue an apology to the President.

“He deceived the President by claiming the oxygen plant is not working. I want the commissioner of police here to ensure the man is summoned to make a statement retracting his claims,” Nabbanja declared.
“He must make a statement and apologize to the President,” she added.

Following her directive, unverified reports began circulating that Mwesigwa had been arrested. The journalist later released a video message, clarifying that he was not in custody but had gone into hiding for his safety.

“The Prime Minister ordered my arrest and investigation. However, I am not yet arrested. I am still in hiding,” Mwesigwa stated.

It remains unclear whether the journalist will face formal charges if apprehended, as press freedom advocates begin to weigh in on what could become another flashpoint between government officials and the media in Uganda.