MPs in stitches as Kabuusu thanks health ministry for saving sex workers from Mpox

KAMPALA - Kyamuswa MP Moses Kabuusu (FDC) left fellow MPs on the Public Accounts Committee (Central) in fits of laughter on Friday.

This was after he thanked Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, for saving sex workers in his constituency from a monkeypox outbreak.

“The vaccination has gone on successfully, and I am happy about it. Please come and evaluate and see," Kabuusu stated. “Their body parts were rough,” he added.

However, his remarks raised further questions, with Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (NUP) wondering how his colleague was able to observe the sex workers’ symptoms.

“How did you know?” Kivumbi inquired.

Sensing the session was veering off course, Kumi Municipality MP Silas Aogon (Independent) interjected, successfully steering the discussion back on track.

“But Mr. Chairman, I don’t know whether that language is parliamentary,” Aogon raised. 

On that note, Kivumbi adjourned the meeting until Tuesday next week, when the committee and Ministry of Health officials are scheduled to discuss projects. But not before cheekily asking Kabuusu to escort Dr. Atwine out of the room.

About Monkeypox

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.

In the six weeks between January 20 and March 2, 2025; Uganda reported the highest number of confirmed cases, contributing to over forty percent of all confirmed Mpox cases reported on the continent.

This is deduced from the World Health multi-country external situation report of March 10, 2025.

During the same period, the African region reported a total of 2,274 confirmed Mpox cases and 16 deaths. Breaking it down, Uganda recorded the highest number of confirmed Mpox cases at 1,157 and 10 deaths.

By April 1 this year, Uganda had so far registered 4913 confirmed cases of Mpox and 37 deaths.

Kabuusu's hilariously serious demeanour record

On May 7 this year, during an interaction with officials from the Office of the President who were led by Hajji Yunus Kakande, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Kabuusu reacted with visible relief to the report that staff at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) would soon be added to the government payroll.

He remarked that this move would spare MPs, especially those from the ruling party, from the wrath of disgruntled trainers.

“This must be the institute where members of parliament go for mchaka mchaka (military drills). Hajj Yunus Kakande is putting our members in the hands of people grumbling about having no employment contracts. They can kick somebody in a very serious way and expose them to bodily injuries. Because they have issues that are unresolved,” said the legislator, joking.

He however, did not give any evidence to prove his statements.