Uganda Today Edition: SAM KUTEESA UNDER FIRE FOR BUILDING CHURCH AFTER CANCER TREATMENT ABROAD
Kampala, Uganda — Veteran Ugandan politician Sam Kuteesa is facing a wave of public criticism following revelations that he chose to build a church in his hometown after surviving a serious illness that was treated in Germany, rather than investing in Uganda’s ailing healthcare system.
Kuteesa, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and longtime political figure, reportedly spent six months receiving advanced cancer treatment in Germany. After making a full recovery, he returned to Uganda and oversaw the construction of a church as an act of gratitude — a gesture that has sparked intense debate among Ugandans.
A tweet by commentator Ssewante Nelson reignited the controversy, drawing a stark comparison between Kuteesa’s decision and that of a foreign national who, after experiencing a traumatic accident in Uganda, opted to donate a ward to a local hospital in response to the poor state of healthcare facilities. “A Ugandan politician got cancer, sought care from Germany due to lack of facilities in UG, then built a church in response,” Nelson wrote. “But whites are our problem,” he added sarcastically.
Many Ugandans have echoed this sentiment online, criticizing what they see as a misplaced sense of priority by the political elite. Critics argue that while faith is important, the country’s dire need for improved medical infrastructure should have been the natural response from a public figure who directly experienced the life-saving benefits of a robust health system abroad.
“This was a missed opportunity to give back in a way that could save lives right here at home,” said health rights advocate Dr. Sarah Nambasa. “We have countless cancer patients in Uganda who cannot afford to travel abroad, and our hospitals lack essential equipment. A modern oncology unit funded by Mr. Kuteesa would have been a lasting legacy.”
However, some defenders of the move argue that Kuteesa was fulfilling a personal vow and exercising his freedom to support causes that align with his faith. They say that while investment in healthcare is vital, spiritual development also plays an important role in communities.
Kuteesa has yet to formally respond to the criticism.
Uganda’s health sector continues to struggle with under funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of medical specialists — challenges that drive many affluent citizens to seek treatment overseas. The public’s reaction to Kuteesa’s choice underscores growing frustration with a political class perceived to be out of touch with the everyday struggles of the people they serve.
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