KAMPALA, UGANDA — Just months ago, he was in Kampala presenting awards to Ugandan leaders at the Serena Hotel. Today, Professor Doctor Madhu Krishna, a United States citizen and global peace advocate, is fighting for his life in an Indian hospital after suffering a massive brainstem stroke.
The 68-year-old eminent scientist, who made headlines in Uganda last year for honouring Minister Persis Namuganza and other Ugandans for their service to the nation, is now in a critical but stable condition at Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, India .
During his visit to Uganda, Professor Krishan was hosted at State House where he held talks with President Yoweri Museveni. Impressed by the President's praise for Minister Namuganza's dedication, the US-based academic conducted research on her humanitarian work before presenting her with a Human Rights award at the Serena Hotel .
"This award is given to exceptional personnel on humanitarian grounds, and Minister Namuganza deserves the same," he said at the Kampala ceremony, describing her as a champion for the freedoms of the oppressed across Africa .
Now, the roles have reversed. The man who came to honour others is himself the subject of international prayers and medical attention.
Professor Krishan suffered a severe brainstem stroke—one of the most dangerous forms of stroke, affecting the part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. He was rushed to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Manipal Hospitals on Bengaluru's Old Airport Road, where he was placed on a ventilator and remained unresponsive for weeks .
According to medical sources, a brainstem stroke of this magnitude carries a high mortality rate, and survivors often face permanent disability. But Professor Krishan has defied the odds.
After nearly 25 minute declared clinically dead by Hospital medical staff report that he is now showed remarkable progress in coming back into life .
"His cognitive functions are intact," a senior neurosurgeon at Manipal Hospitals told Salt Media Uganda. "He is currently off life support, breathing independently, and able to communicate verbally, though his speech remains slow as he continues therapy. Physically, he will continue intensive rehabilitation for many months, but he is on a trajectory toward a functional recovery. This is a landmark case."
A family source confirmed that Professor Krishan is now resting at his family home in Bengaluru's Indiranagar neighborhood, surrounded by his daughter Ananya, who flew in from the United States to maintain the vigil by his bedside.
Professor Doctor Madhu Krishan, an American citizen of Indian origin, is known internationally as an Eminent Scientist and Global Leader of Global Peace. His work has taken him across continents, advocating for humanitarian causes and recognising individuals who serve their communities .
During his Uganda visit, he also honoured other Ugandans for their service, describing their work as exemplary for the African continent.
Medical bulletins indicate that while Professor Krishan's recovery is nothing short of miraculous, he faces a long road ahead. Outpatient physiotherapy and speech therapy will continue for many months as he relearns motor functions affected by the stroke.
He's already asking for his books," his daughter said. "He wants to get back to his work. That's who he is.
From Kampala, Uganda, Salt Media Uganda sends heartfelt wishes to Professor Doctor Madhu Krishan for a full and speedy recovery.
