MPs Insist on First Lady Janet Museveni’s Physical Attendance at Vetting Committee, Reject Virtual Arrangement
KAMPALA – A standoff has emerged between Uganda’s Parliamentary Appointments Committee and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, after committee members reportedly rejected a request for her to be vetted virtually.
Mrs. Museveni, who has been reappointed as Minister of Education and Sports in President Yoweri Museveni’s new Cabinet, was scheduled to appear before the committee on Monday morning at 10 am. However, according to former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, committee members objected to what has been termed the “Zoo arrangement”—vetting via video link.
Despite attempts by Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth to persuade the committee to accept the virtual option, members held their ground.
“Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni once again requested to be vetted on Zoom but committee members objected. Speaker Oboth-Oboth tried twice to persuade members but failed,” Ssemujju said on Tuesday morning.
He added that the committee was expected to try again to have the First Lady vetted, but noted the tense atmosphere: “We are waiting to see what happens today; whether they are once again willing to bend the rules… For the entire five years, 2021-26, Kataha never stepped in parliament!”
Parliament had not officially commented on the claims by Tuesday morning. Proceedings of the Appointments Committee remain closed to the media.
The vetting exercise, which began on Monday, June 1, is being handled by the Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Oboth-Oboth and deputised by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. More than 80 ministerial nominees are expected to appear before the committee.
Contrast with Previous Vetting
The current demand for physical attendance marks a shift from past practice. In June 2021, the same committee vetted Janet Museveni and then First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga via Zoom during the formation of the previous Cabinet.
Health Speculation
The reports have reignited public discussion about the First Lady’s health. Mrs. Museveni has missed several recent public engagements, sparking online speculation. President Yoweri Museveni recently confirmed that the First Lady was unwell but said she is recuperating steadily.
As of Tuesday morning, it remains unclear whether the committee will reconsider its position or whether Mrs. Museveni will appear in person.
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