Veteran Ugandan politician Captain Mike Mukula suspects that someone poisoned his son, Rodney Akongel Mukula. Rodney fell severely ill while campaigning to become the Member of Parliament for Soroti City East. Consequently, the family arranged an emergency military airlift to Kampala for urgent medical care.
Mukula revealed that Rodney first received treatment at a hospital in Soroti. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly, which immediately raised suspicions of foul play. “The preliminary information we have received indicates that Rodney could have been poisoned,” Mukula told journalists on Tuesday.
Emergency Evacuation and Gratitude to Military Leadership
When Rodney’s condition worsened, the family urgently needed to transfer him to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Therefore, they sought assistance from the country’s military leadership.
Mukula expressed profound gratitude for the swift response from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces. “I want to thank Gen. Muhoozi for his big heart,” Mukula stated. “He immediately responded and provided a military chopper that picked up Rodney from Soroti to Mulago. We are grateful.” This evacuation proved crucial for ensuring Rodney received advanced medical treatment.
A Father’s Political Warnings and a Son’s Determination
The elder Mukula emotionally shared that he had strongly opposed his son’s political ambitions. Specifically, he had warned Rodney about the inherent dangers and intense rivalries in Ugandan politics.
“I did not want Rodney to join politics. It took me over three, four months to dissuade him from going into politics,” Mukula revealed. He emphasized that the decision was entirely his son’s, driven by a desire to serve his community. According to Mukula, Rodney felt compelled to help his friends and age mates whom he saw were suffering.
Witnessing his son fighting for his life painfully affirmed Mukula’s earlier warnings. “To have seen him in this pain really vindicates me as I had told him politics is a very dangerous game,” he said. Despite this, he pledged his full support for his son’s chosen path, urging him to be cautious but to continue serving the people.
Ongoing Medical Investigation and Family Support
Currently, doctors at Mulago National Referral Hospital are conducting a thorough investigation. They are keeping Rodney under close medical monitoring as they work to determine the exact cause of his sudden illness.
Mukula affirmed his unwavering parental support, despite his initial reservations. “As a parent, I have to support the influence and decisions of my son,” he told reporters. “My being here is to support him now that he has chosen this path.”
In conclusion, the allegation that someone poisoned Rodney highlights the perilous nature of political campaigns in the region. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks facing political candidates and their families, even at the local level.