Published on 18/09/2024
The sudden death of Sarah Mateke, former Minister of State for Defence, due to heart complications has sparked concern among Members of Parliament (MPs), with some advocating for mandatory medical checkups for lawmakers. During Tuesday’s plenary session, Jane Pacuto (Pakwach DWR) proposed that Parliament allocate a dedicated medical team to conduct regular health assessments on MPs.
Pacuto noted that despite MPs having taxpayer-funded medical insurance and a clinic within the parliamentary premises, many still neglect routine health checks. She suggested that MPs undergo mandatory checkups every three to six months to detect potential health issues early, remarking, “Some members aren’t willing to get checked on their own. It was shocking to hear of Sarah’s sudden demise, having recently attended a function with her. This incident highlights that many of us may be unaware of our health conditions.”
Her proposal, however, was met with resistance from some lawmakers, who heckled the idea, questioning the need for mandatory checks when MPs already have medical benefits. Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County) supported Pacuto’s call, recalling a time when medical workers were stationed at Parliament to perform health tests on MPs.
“Just last week, one of our colleagues collapsed. This is a serious matter that affects all of us. Even the President has urged us to take better care of ourselves. I appeal to the Parliamentary Commission to revive these services for those who are willing,” Okupa said.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa reminded MPs of the existence of the Parliamentary Clinic and encouraged them to take advantage of the facility. He also suggested removing unhealthy foods, such as chapatti and mandazi, from the Parliament’s breakfast menu in favor of healthier options like cassava and water.
Despite the seriousness of the health discussion, the debate became heated when Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) seized the moment to call for President Yoweri Museveni to undergo regular medical and mental evaluations, citing concerns over his age.
“The Constitution requires that the President be physically and mentally fit. At 80, erratic decisions may arise, and we should consider subjecting him to regular checks,” Ssemujju argued, drawing comparisons with similar demands made of U.S. President Joe Biden.
However, John Baptist Lokii (Matheniko County) countered, defending Museveni’s leadership abilities despite his age, asserting, “Our President has shown no signs of failing to lead. His experience over 40 years in office speaks for itself.”
Tayebwa, seeking to calm the debate, remarked that disagreements between Ssemujju and the President are akin to disputes between generals, who often resolve their issues internally. Nevertheless, Ssemujju pressed on, suggesting that the President’s failure to appoint a Governor for the Bank of Uganda reflected concerns about his memory and capacity to govern effectively.
Earlier in the session, Tayebwa had led Parliament in celebrating Museveni’s 80th birthday, praising the President for maintaining his health and mental sharpness. “It’s impressive to see someone of his age still performing his duties effectively. He is a role model for how to look after oneself,” Tayebwa concluded.
