First Lady Janet Museveni Absent as President Takes Oath, Bishop Confirms She Has ‘Healed and Recovered’
KOLOLO, UGANDA – For the first time since the 1996 election, First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni was absent from her husband’s swearing-in ceremony as President Yoweri Museveni took the oath of office for another term at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Her absence triggered widespread public speculation, as President Museveni was instead accompanied by one of his daughters, Natasha Karugire, who stood to his left on the dais. The First Lady had been a highly visible and active supporter on the campaign trail during the 2026 elections, making her absence at this milestone event particularly noticeable.
Amid murmurs from the crowd, the Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, offered a public prayer for the First Lady’s health. Speaking with apparent knowledge of her condition, the Bishop of Ankole Diocese declared that Janet had “healed and recovered,” a statement that drew spontaneous applause from the hundreds gathered. He further thanked her for her steadfast support of the President throughout the campaign.
Public concern regarding Mrs. Museveni’s health had been simmering for several weeks, with State House remaining largely silent and fueling a flood of unverified reports on social media. Lt Gen (Rtd) Proscovia Nalweyiso was among the first officials to address the matter, revealing that President Museveni had confirmed his wife had fallen ill but was steadily recuperating, appealing for continued prayers from Ugandans.
The limited information led to intense online debate and, in some cases, misinformation. 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.
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