President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has for the first time publicly spoken about the health condtion of his wife, First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, following months of absence from public engagements.
In a birthday message to the First Lady, Museveni disclosed that she had recently suffered a serious health challenge in March 2026 but said she is now recovering after receiving medical care.
“Three months ago, on March 21, 2026, there was an attack on the life of Maama Janet. God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” Museveni said.
The President praised the First Lady for her longstanding contribution to the country and family, highlighting her role during the Second Phase of the Liberation Struggle between 1981 and 1986, when she remained in exile caring for their children while he was in the bush.
He also commended her philanthropic work through the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), as well as her involvement in national development, religious service, and politics, particularly in Ntungamo District.
“She has been a great philanthropist through UWESO and has contributed to the NRM movement in Ntungamo, alongside her religious work,” Museveni added.
The President further expressed optimism about longevity and national progress, saying he prayed for long life for both of them to witness the realization of the East African Federation, which he described as a safeguard against future marginalization of Africa.
“I pray to God to get us to 100 years so that we may witness, among other good things, the birth of the East African Federation,” he said.
Janet Museveni’s last known public appearance was in March 2026, after which she missed several key national events, including the President’s swearing-in ceremony held on May 12, 2026, marking the start of his seventh term in office.
Her absence was particularly notable as it was the first time President Museveni was sworn in without her physical presence at such a major state occasion, with the couple’s daughter attending instead.
In January 2026, the Electoral Commission declared Museveni winner of the presidential election, defeating seven contenders, including National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, FDC’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu of ANT, and others.
According to official results, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes, far ahead of Kyagulanyi, who polled 2,741,238 votes.
The First Lady also missed her scheduled vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee following her reappointment as Minister for Education and Sports. Deputy Speaker-led committee indicated she would appear at a later date.
She has also been absent from other recent state functions, including the election of the Speaker of Parliament and subsequent swearing-in ceremonies of key officials.
