Written By | Staff Reporter
Many people were outraged by moderator has Kalenzi was speaking
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KYANKWANZI
Citizens have expressed strong anger online after a moderator repeatedly tried to cut short Bunyangabu County MP-elect Victor Kalenzi while he was raising critical concerns about Uganda’s healthcare system during the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat.
Kalenzi, who was given the floor to address President Yoweri Museveni and fellow NRM MPs-elect, chose not to join the chorus of praise but instead highlighted the severe challenges facing Uganda’s health sector. He drew from personal experience, revealing that his son is currently undergoing cancer treatment in India, where he is spending millions of shillings.
He noted that more than 15 other Ugandans are receiving similar treatment at the same facility, underscoring the high cost and emotional toll of seeking medical care abroad.
“While other MPs will be using their millions to buy cars, I will be using mine to treat my son in India,” Kalenzi told the gathering. He further pointed out that Uganda spends billions of shillings annually sending patients — including senior government officials and MPs — overseas for treatment, despite having the potential to develop world-class medical facilities at home.
Watch The Video here
https://x.com/roxie_ug/status/2043610340160626793
He urged the government to invest seriously in local healthcare infrastructure so that ordinary Ugandans and leaders alike do not have to travel abroad for specialised care.
However, before Kalenzi could fully conclude his remarks, the moderator repeatedly interrupted him, prompting widespread criticism on social media. Many netizens accused the moderator of attempting to silence a substantive contribution amid a session where most speakers focused on praising the President.
The video clip of the exchange has gone viral, with many Ugandans expressing disappointment.
WATCH IT HERE: https://x.com/roxie_ug/status/2043610340160626793
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Kalenzi’s intervention has resonated with many Ugandans, who point to the frequent cases of high-profile figures — including former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, former Minister Fr. Simon Lokodo, Sam Kutesa, and Gen. Katumba Wamala — being flown abroad for treatment while public hospitals remain under-equipped and underfunded.
The incident has sparked fresh debate about freedom of expression within the ruling party and the urgent need to strengthen Uganda’s domestic healthcare system to reduce reliance on expensive medical tourism.
The NRM retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi is ongoing, with sessions focused on party strategy and orientation for the incoming 12th Parliament.
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