Mukula Says Son Rodney May Have Been Poisoned; Praises Gen Muhoozi for Evacuation

Rodney was admitted at Mulago Hospital this Tuesday

Veteran politician and former NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Capt. Mike Mukula, has said his son Rodney Akongel Mukula, who is contesting for Soroti City East MP, may have been poisoned, prompting an emergency evacuation from Soroti to Kampala.

Mukula on Tuesday told journalists that Rodney was first admitted at Doctors Plaza in Soroti, but his condition deteriorated rapidly, raising suspicion of poisoning.

“The preliminary information we have received indicates that Rodney could have been poisoned,” said Mukula.

He said the family is awaiting further medical examination as the doctors at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where Rodney is currently admitted, continue treatment.

Mukula extended deep gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for what he called a “big heart” after the UPDF provided a military chopper that airlifted Rodney from Soroti to Kampala for urgent care.

“I want to thank Gen. Muhoozi for his big heart. He immediately responded and provided a military chopper that picked up Rodney from Soroti to Mulago. We are grateful,” Mukula said.

“I did not want Rodney to join politics”

Mukula emotionally revealed that he had strongly discouraged his son from joining elective politics, warning him of the risks that come with the arena.

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“I did not want Rodney to join politics. It took me over three, four months to dissuade him from going into politics,” Mukula said.

Rodney Mukula

Politics

“Some people think I sent Rodney to stand; no. He took the initiative personally. He said he cannot be here in Kampala while his people, his friends, his age mates are suffering. He wanted to go back and serve the people.”

Mukula said seeing Rodney fighting for his life painfully reaffirmed his fears.

“To have seen him in this pain really vindicates me as I had told him politics is a very dangerous game. It’s full of intrigue, scheming and manipulation. I hope he learns a lesson now; to watch what he eats, be careful who he associates with; but continue serving the people now that he has chosen this path.”

“As a parent, I have to support him”

Mukula said that although he never expected any member of his family to join elective politics, he has accepted Rodney’s choice and will stand by him.

“If your son wants to be a doctor, support him. If your son wants to be a priest, support him. If your daughter wants to be a nun, support her. For me as a parent, I have to support the influence and decisions of my son. My being here is to support him now that he has chosen this path.”

Doctors at Mulago say Rodney is under close monitoring as investigations continue into what may have caused his sudden illness.