Doctors affiliated with the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) were pictured knelt before President Yoweri Museveni to implore him to run for office in 2026.
In the viral video, the association’s chairman, Samuel Oledo, joined by a few doctors, praised the president of the East African nation for reforming the nation’s healthcare system and enhancing doctors’ welfare.
“Your excellency, thank you. You have uplifted us (medical practitioners). We kneel before you after assessing that you are capable. We have assessed that you have the power. You have everything needed. Help us and contest again in 2026 and take us ahead as you secure our future. We want Uganda to reach where God expects it to be,” Dr Oledo said.
In a series of tweets, the association distanced itself from the doctors, saying, “Uganda Medical Association has always engaged with Museveni through formal, professional ways including appreciating him through our annual awards. The act of kneeling by Dr Oledo and the team doesn’t represent Modus Operandi of the Association.”
Dr Oledo, according to the association’s deputy chairperson Edith Nakku-Jolaba and secretary general Herbert Luswata, spoke for himself and not in the association’s best interests.
Mr Luswata claimed that Mr Oledo had been asked to apologize publicly in the past but had declined. Since 1986, Mr Museveni has been in charge. The 78-year-old entered politics following a civil war. His seventh term would begin in 2026 if he decides to run and is successful.