NRM Vice Chairman Capt. Mike Mukula says his son, Rodney Mukula, is battling the effects of poisoning and is currently undergoing treatment at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala. Rodney, who is running as an independent candidate for Soroti City East, was evacuated to the facility after a sudden medical emergency.
Capt. Mukula spoke from the hospital in a recorded video, revealing that the frightening incident has revived the fears he had when his son decided to join politics. He said he spent months trying to convince Rodney to stay away from the political arena.
According to him, Rodney insisted on contesting because he wanted to improve services for people in his constituency. But seeing him hospitalised, Capt. Mukula said, has only reinforced his belief that politics is a space full of risk. He warned that the field is characterised by “intrigue, scheming and manipulation,” and not everyone who enters it is prepared for such hostility.
Rodney fell ill in Soroti City, collapsing twice — first at 3 a.m. and again later in the afternoon. He was initially taken to Doctor’s Plaza Hospital before being transferred to Kampala for specialised care. At Nakasero Hospital, emergency procedures were activated, and a Uganda Police toxicologist, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, was placed on standby, signalling that authorities are treating the matter as a potential poisoning case.
The independent candidate is well known in Soroti City East for his work in health and education initiatives. He is currently challenging Isaac Orego, who won the NRM primary race for the same parliamentary seat.
Although relieved that his son is stabilising, Capt. Mukula said the ordeal should be a lesson not only for Rodney but for anyone aspiring to join public life. He urged him to stay vigilant about what he eats, the people around him and the decisions he makes as he continues serving his community.
Rodney’s medical scare comes just days after another distressing incident involving the Mukula family. His mother, Gladys Mukula, narrowly escaped a road accident at the Clock Tower Flyover.
