Pastor Martin Ssempa has weighed in on reports that Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja ordered the arrest of journalist Mwesigwa David after he questioned President Yoweri Museveni about the poor state of Mukono Hospital.
The controversy began after Mwesigwa reportedly raised concerns directly to the president about overcrowding and broken equipment at the hospital.
According to Ssempa, instead of addressing the matter, Nabbanja allegedly directed security to detain the journalist and further pressed him to apologize to Museveni.
Ssempa expressed disappointment in Nabbanja’s response, describing it as a betrayal of expectations placed on women leaders.
In a statement posted on X, he wrote: “Meet Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who ordered the arrest of journalist Mwesigwa David after he asked President Museveni about overcrowding and faulty medical equipment at Mukono Hospital. Despite the fact that she visited the hospital and found it in a dire state, she still ordered for his arrest and she is coercing Mwesigwa to issue an apology. I thought that we were told that women leaders are better than men. I was told that women lead with heart and compassion unlike men! What am I missing? Was it all a deception?”
The incident has sparked renewed debate about media freedom and accountability in Uganda.
Journalists and activists argue that questioning leaders about service delivery should not attract intimidation or arrest threats.
Mukono Hospital has long been flagged for congestion and lack of functional equipment, with patients sometimes forced to share beds.
Critics now say Nabbanja’s actions, if confirmed, reflect poorly on the government’s commitment to transparency and press freedom.