Agency
President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, recently survived a serious illness and is now recovering well.
In a lengthy birthday message posted on his X account on Wednesday to mark Janet Museveni’s 78th birthday, the President disclosed that she suffered a major health challenge on March 21, 2026, but credited God and medical professionals for saving her life.
The President did not disclose the nature of the illness, but his remarks are the first public confirmation that the First Lady had been battling a serious medical condition.
There has been widespread speculation about her health after she missed several public engagements, including the President’s Swearing-in Ceremony and the ministerial vetting by the Appointments Committee.
Born on June 24, 1948, Janet Museveni has served as Uganda’s First Lady since 1986 and has held several government positions, including Member of Parliament for Ruhaama County and Minister of Karamoja Affairs, before her appointment as Minister of Education and Sports in 2016.
In his tribute, Museveni described his wife as a pillar of their family, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and numerous charitable causes.
