The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Julius Odeke
The former Minister of Local Government and comrade, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali denies getting money from President Yoweri Museveni at the time when he was sick while being attended to in a medical facility in Thailand.
Bidandi the People’s Progressive Party boss contested for presidency in 2011 general elections got 34688 votes today wrote in The Observer responding to the rumours that President Museveni footed for his medical bills in Thailand.
He says, “Your Excellency, you are aware of the appeal I made in writing to your government through the Prime Minister my younger brother, Amama Mbabazi, for a contribution towards my struggle to save my life in Thailand. I was aware that I was not entitled to government medical treatment any longer and that is why I just asked for a contribution.”
However, Bidandi says, “Your Excellency, you are aware that not only did I not receive a shilling from the state but also not get any courtesy response conveying regret for the inability to oblige not even a word of sympathy from your government,” he adds.
He clarifies that, “The funds that I used for treatment, both in Uganda and Thailand, were from my family, relatives, concerned friends, including a few from your cabinet and from my own sources.”
Bidandi says he has been getting wary messages from his friends who asked him whether its true that he (Bidandi) lied to them that government never contributed for his medical bills.
The former presidential candidate praises the late James Mulwana for playing a key role in his treatment including recommending the Bangkok hospital for him and even making a financial contribution to cater for his medication while there.
Bidandi appeals to President Museveni to help protect, perseve and defend the integrity of the common man, the late Mulwana by asking his office to clarify on the matter and expose the real truth to the effect that no dime was ever passed on to Mulwana to pass on to him.
