Mao is deceitful, says Opondo
Democratic Party president Norbert Mao (2nd R) dances together with his supporters during his thanksgiving ceremony at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Town at the weekend. Photo by Cissy Makumbi
What you need to know:
Government Media Centre boss says DP boss should extend a vote of thanks to the government for footing his medical bills in Nairobi Hospital.
Gulu- The head of Uganda Media Centre, Mr Ofwono Opondo, has described Democratic Party president Norbert Mao as a deceitful and unappreciative person.
Mr Opondo was referring to the government’s efforts to foot Mr Mao’s medical bills at Nairobi Hospital.
In July, Mr Mao was admitted to Lacor Hospital, Gulu District, with malaria-like symptoms, but was later flown to Nairobi Hospital on July 23, after his health deteriorated.
He was, however, discharged in August after two weeks of treatment.
Mr Opondo, made the remarks while addressing journalists during a regional NRM youth leaders meeting at Acholi Inn in Gulu Town at the weekend.
“The government finds Mr Mao as a very unappreciative person. He has not even thought of paying a modest ‘thank you’ to the government for its effort it offered to foot his medical bills at Nairobi Hospital,” Mr Opondo said.
He added that Mr Mao, being a citizen of the country and a leader, the government gave a helping hand in paying for medical bills like it can do for any other citizens in need.
But while addressing locals at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Town, at the weekend during a thanksgiving ceremony, Mr Mao, lashed out at the government’s continuous allegations that they footed his medical bills.
“In case any government official took the money and used it, he/she should be responsible for paying it back, because I am unaware of any government’s contribution towards my medical bills,” he said.
Mr Mao noted that the only government contribution he got was being flown to Entebbe airport by a UPDF chopper, adding that as a citizen of the country who pays taxes, he is entitled to such benefits.
“If the government wants me to pay for transport arrangement, let them tell me the amount, because that was the only contribution they made,” he added.
However, when asked to disclose the amount of money the government paid in the DP president’s medical bills, Mr Ofwono said, “I do not need to go into that but the fact is government footed his medical bills”.
