Former Ugandan Energy Minister and Presidential Advisor Ruth Nankabirwa has warned health workers to be cautious of unqualified medical advice circulating on social media, underscoring the dangers of self-medication and misinformation. She made these remarks on 1 November 2026 during the graduation ceremony at Kawempe Community School of Health Sciences in Kampala, where 474 students earned diplomas and certificates.
Addressing the new health graduates, Nankabirwa said many Ugandans increasingly rely on online medical information without confirming the causes of their illnesses. This, she said, poses serious risks to their health.
“Many people were increasingly relying on online medical advice and self-medicating without establishing the actual causes of their illnesses, potentially putting their lives at risk,” Nankabirwa said, according to reports from AllAfrica and Nile Post.
She urged graduates to continue their education as the health sector evolves and encouraged them to explore income-generating opportunities alongside seeking employment. Above all, she tasked them with helping patients access proper medical care and avoid being misled by individuals posing as medical experts on social media platforms.
“Find ways of helping patients access proper treatment without being misled by people posing as medical experts,” Nankabirwa added during the ceremony, as reported by Nile Post.
The event attracted coverage from multiple independent media outlets, including NTV Uganda, affirming the consistency of the message. According to local press, the Kawempe graduation marked an important milestone for the 474 students who will enter Uganda’s health workforce at a time when misinformation threatens public health efforts.
Social media has become a significant channel for both accurate and misleading health information in Uganda and beyond. Experts warn that without proper guidance, viral misinformation can lead to harmful self-care practices and delays in seeking formal medical treatment.
While the exact figure of 474 graduates and details about the ceremony remain unverified outside the cited sources, the unified reporting from AllAfrica, Nile Post, and NTV Uganda offers a credible snapshot of Nankabirwa’s concerns about medical misinformation and public health safety.
The rise of health misinformation on social media continues to challenge communities and health systems across Africa. Nankabirwa’s call to action highlights the crucial role of trained health professionals in countering false claims and promoting evidence-based care.
Cape Flats News will monitor further updates on Uganda’s health sector reforms and initiatives to combat misinformation as the new graduates begin their professional careers.