Herbalist Ssenfuka to Sue Andrew Mwenda for Sh1.11 Trillion Over 'Conman' Remarks

Herbal researcher David Ssenfuka, the head of Leonia-NNN Medical Research and Diagnostic Centre, is taking legal action against journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda for alleged defamation. Ssenfuka asserts that remarks made by Mwenda, referring to him as a “conman,” are false, malicious, and have significantly undermined his life’s work.

In a statement to journalists, Ssenfuka detailed his extensive research into natural medicine, particularly for diseases like diabetes and cancer. He claims to have developed natural medical solutions that have undergone trials, including confirmation of curative properties for diabetes by the Uganda Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute.

Ssenfuka highlighted governmental interest and support for his research, including reviews by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and interactions with international investors facilitated by the US government and President Museveni. He also mentioned a proposal from American investors to acquire his project, which he states was rejected by President Museveni.

Mwenda’s comments, published in The Independent, allegedly portrayed Ssenfuka as fraudulent, leading to public distrust and hesitation from potential international collaborators and donors. Ssenfuka argues that these statements have damaged his professional standing, turning him from an innovator into a public figure of ridicule.

Through his lawyers, Onyx Advocates, Ssenfuka is seeking Shs1.11 trillion (approximately US$300 million) in damages for the reputational and financial harm caused by the alleged defamation. He contends that the publication has severely impacted his billion-dollar medical research project and his personal reputation built over years of dedicated work.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/353513/herbalist-ssenfuka-moves-to-sue-andrew-mwenda-over-defamation