The Justice Forum Party—Jeema—has dismissed rumours that their sole Member of Parliament Hussein Kyanjo is dead or in a coma.
Asuman Basalirwa, the party president, told a hastily organized press conference in Kampala that Kyanjo, though sick, is recovering in Dubai where he underwent a second operation for a jaw and tongue ailment.
Basalirwa’s pronouncement came in the wake of persistent claims and counter-claims that the MP for Makindye West in Kampala is either dead or in a coma.
He explained that Kyanjo has speaking difficulties due to an abnormal and intrusive tooth that developed and pushed both the jaw and teeth out of their normal positions, leaving his tongue suspended without support. He said doctors in Uganda and South Africa failed to diagnose the problem that occurs in one in a one million people.
Basalirwa said early this year when Kyanjo reached Dubai while returning from Malaysia, he lost his voice completely and had to seek medical attention. He said that was when his condition was diagnosed and he underwent an operation that realigned the jaw and a second one to remove the intrusive tooth was scheduled three months later.
He said Kyanjo even returned home but could not recuperate well, adding that being a people-person he kept being visited prompting his family, friends and the party to take him back to Dubai.
Basalirwa said Kyanjo underwent the second operation that removed the tooth. He said doctors advised that it would take between three to six months for him to recover and fully regain his voice.
Basalirwa said Kyanjo’s family, the party and himself talk to him daily and that each time there are signs that he is regaining his voice, adding that the legislator speaks but with some difficulties. He said they had planned for Kyanjo to talk to the journalists only that he had to go for an unscheduled medical appointment.
The Jeema president strongly denied claims that Kyanjo was poisoned, or had a stroke or got an accident. He said apart from the speaking difficulty Kyanjo is in a stable state as he walks, writes and prays normally.
Basalirwa wondered what could be the motive of those spreading the rumour, reasoning that even if it were true that he is dead or in a coma it would be a normal process that everyone will go through.
On talk going around that the voters of Makindye West should prepare for a by-election, Basalirwa said if it comes to that Jeema will definitely front a candidate to defend the seat. He hastened to add that as far as they are concerned there is nothing wrong with Kyanjo.
He admitted that Kyanjo’s ailment has been a major setback for Jeema in parliament, but said he was happy that the opposition led by Nandala Mafabi was performing well in the House.
Basalirwa’s briefing came just hours after another legislator, Michael Oromait for Usuk County in Katakwi district, died on Saturday morning. The 48 year old MP died shortly after being admitted at Katakwi Health Centre Four.
