Andrew Mwenda Apologizes to Herbalist David Ssenfuka Over 'Conman' Allegations

Renowned herbalist David Ssenfuka has spoken out against allegations made by journalist Andrew Mwenda, who claimed Ssenfuka was attempting to con President Yoweri Museveni into funding the development of his cancer and diabetes medicine. In an interview with The Observer, Ssenfuka expressed surprise that a prominent journalist like Mwenda would make such claims without first consulting him.

Mwenda, in an article titled “When old age strikes a leader,” had characterized Ssenfuka as an uneducated “conman” and suggested that individuals were exploiting President Museveni’s advanced age for fraudulent business proposals. Among those listed by Mwenda were Ssenfuka, Mathias Magoola of Dei Bio Pharma, Amina Hersi of Atiak Sugar, and Nelson Tugume of Inspire Africa Coffee.

Ssenfuka refuted the accusations, stating that he has never sought money fraudulently from the president. He explained that the idea for government funding came from President Museveni himself, who was impressed with Ssenfuka’s eleven-year-long research into cancer and diabetes drugs and saw it as a national treasure. Ssenfuka clarified that he had approached the president regarding outside investment but Museveni preferred it remain a national project.

Ssenfuka also highlighted that respected senior citizens, including former Chief Justice Wako Wambuzi and Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu, have supported his project, questioning how they would lend their reputations to a fictitious endeavor. This response follows a strong rebuttal from President Museveni, who questioned Mwenda’s journalistic ethics for not interviewing the individuals or verifying claims firsthand, urging him to visit factories and speak to beneficiaries of Ssenfuka’s medicine.

Following the president’s critique and Ssenfuka’s defense, Andrew Mwenda acknowledged his error. In a subsequent article, he apologized to President Museveni, Ssenfuka, and Mathias Magoola, admitting it was unfair and professionally wrong to label them as “conmen” and “witch doctors” without hearing their side of the story. Mwenda pledged to seek out Ssenfuka and others involved to gain a better understanding before passing judgment.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)