Bidandi still in intensive care unit

By Jeff Andrew Lule          

Former local government minister Jaberi Bidandi Ssali remains in the intensive care unit at Nakasero Hospital where he was admitted following an accident in Kiwatule.

Several relatives and friends  were throughout the day blocked from  accessing his room after doctors ruled that he needed rest.

Relatives nursing him include his wife Susan, son Hajji Umar Kakonge and daughter Asia.

Bidandi, the founder and president of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), sustained multiple injuries when his car rammed into a Fuso truck at Kisasi roundabout while heading to Kiwatule recreation centre.

The damaged car that nearly claimed Bidandi's life

Bidandi was in company  of his political assistant, Saddam Gayira, who was unhurt.

The newly appointed Buganda Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, is one of the very few people who were allowed to see Bidandi. He told members of the press camped in the corridors that Bidandi was still in pain but improving.

“We thank the doctors and we  pray to God to help him recover and serve his country and the Kingdom. He is important to the country,” he noted.

“Katikiro’s visit made him ( Bidandi) smile. I think this gave him confidence that people still care about him and God is with him. He has never opened his mouth nor smiled since he was admitted. This gives us hope that he is improving,” said Gayira.

Last year, Bidandi was admitted at Kampala Hospital twice after falling at his home in Bukoto. He was later flown to Bangkok for specialised treatment. His doctors said he had an imbalance in the inner ear due to fewer fluids which had caused him unstable movements