Paid Rumours Tried to Kill My Reputation, Says Kadaga

“There are individuals paid to tarnish my personality and, on several occasions, pronounce me dead, but I have always turned up alive,” First Deputy Premier and Kamuli District Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga declared, addressing circulating rumours about her death. Kadaga blamed the false claims on individuals who exploit social media for personal gain. She made the statement while launching door-to-door campaigns in her home area of Busobya Village, Mbulamuti Town Council, reassuring supporters she remains active and in good health.

“It has become a lucrative business for people to earn from spreading false rumours and abusing others via different social media platforms,” added the former Speaker of Parliament, without naming those behind the smear campaign. Her public appearance quashed rumours and highlighted the dangers of online misinformation, sending a clear message that speculation should not manipulate public perception or election outcomes.

Campaign teams in yellow NRM T-shirts traversed villages on motorcycles, lifting supporters’ spirits. “Seeing Kadaga stand and speak restores our hope. The AI photos and false claims about her health had caused worry, but now we are motivated to mobilize our teams ahead of election day,” said Norah Kyemba. Roselyn Namaddu emphasized that social media should not be misused to question a candidate’s health, as it can unfairly influence voters. Political commentator Wilson Byakika stressed that health matters remain private: “Health matters should only be discussed with consent, between patients and medical personnel, even for public figures.”

Kadaga also reminded voters to protect their votes within the legal electoral framework, maintain a 20-meter distance from polling tables, and participate actively in choosing leaders. She assured the public that security agencies would deter election-related violence, ensuring a safe polling environment. The issue of whether voters should remain near polling stations after voting has sparked debate.

UPDF Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Henry Obbo warned: “When you finish voting, please go home and wait for the announcement of results or the time of counting, instead of crowding polling stations and becoming a security threat.” The warning drew mixed reactions from candidates and some religious leaders.

Attorney General Kiyowa Kiwanuka clarified: “After voting, you must not stay at the polling station. When you are 20 meters away, that is lawful. Twenty meters, one hundred meters, that is perfectly lawful, but not at the polling station.”