OCTOBER 2025 – Baseless rumors claiming that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was hospitalized in critical condition spread across social media platform X this week, prompting a mix of concern, skepticism, and political speculation before being debunked.
The unverified posts, which began circulating on October 18, 2025, alleged that the 80-year-old president, who has ruled Uganda for 39 years, was in a critical medical state. Some accounts, particularly from Kenya, amplified the hoax by sharing fabricated graphics that gave the claims a false sense of legitimacy.
The rumors triggered a wide range of reactions from users in East Africa. While some expressed genuine concern, others responded with skepticism and humor. The discussion quickly expanded beyond the health scare to include conversations about President Museveni’s long tenure and potential political succession.
However, the claims were swiftly contradicted by official fact-checks and, most convincingly, by the President’s own recent public activities. At the time the rumors were spreading, President Museveni was actively posting from Uganda’s West Nile region, where he was engaged in a official campaign tour.
The incident underscores the persistent challenges social media platforms face with the rapid spread of unverified and politically charged misinformation.
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