Agency
The First Lady, Janet Museveni, did not show up at Kollo ceremonial grounds as President Museveni took the oath for the next term in office.
It was the first time since the 1996 election that Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni was missing at such a ceremony.
President Museveni was accompanied by one of his daughters, Natasha Karugire, who stood to his left as he stepped onto the dais to take the oath of office.
Janet Museveni’s absence sparked widespread speculation among Ugandans and on social media.
Public concern about Janet Museveni’s health had simmered for several weeks.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso was among the first “officials” to publicly address the matter in interviews, revealing that President Museveni himself had confirmed his wife had fallen ill but was steadily recuperating, and appealing for continued prayers from Ugandans.
The absence and limited information triggered intense online debate and, in some cases, misinformation.
A journalist, Arnold Anthony Mukose, was arrested and charged with publishing false and distressing information after allegedly spreading reports suggesting the First Lady had died. He was later granted bail.
