Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has disclosed that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni is steadily recovering after battling a serious health condition that threatened her life earlier this year.
The revelation came on June 24, 2026, as Museveni paid tribute to his wife on her 78th birthday, combining personal reflections, family memories, and recognition of her contributions to Uganda’s political, social, and religious life.
According to the President, Janet Museveni suffered a major health setback on March 21, 2026. Although he did not reveal the nature of the illness, he described it as a grave challenge that could have ended her life.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Museveni said: “Sitaane, 3 months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated.”
He added: “God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well.”
The statement marks the first public indication that Uganda’s First Lady had been dealing with a significant health crisis during the past few months.
Beyond the health update, Museveni used the occasion to revisit the remarkable story of how he and Janet reunited in 1972 outside Nairobi’s Inter-Continental Hotel while he was living in exile and involved in efforts to challenge the regime of Idi Amin.
The Ugandan leader described the encounter as a life-changing moment that ultimately led to marriage and the growth of their family.
“It is that miraculous re-connection that gave me a family of four great children and fifteen grandchildren,” Museveni said.
He also recalled the difficult years of Uganda’s liberation struggle between 1981 and 1986, noting that Janet cared for their children and family while he led the National Resistance Army insurgency.
Museveni praised his wife’s dedication not only to their family but also to public service. He highlighted her humanitarian work through Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), her contributions to National Resistance Movement (NRM) politics in Ntungamo District, and her longstanding religious engagements.
“Maama has done great things in the family,” Museveni said.
He continued: “She has been a great philanthropist with UWESO and she has contributed to the NRM politics in Ntungamo on top of her religious work.”
The President described Janet Museveni as a pillar of support throughout his political journey and one of the key figures behind numerous charitable initiatives that have benefited vulnerable communities across Uganda.
Concluding his message, Museveni expressed gratitude for their decades together and voiced hope that both of them would live long enough to celebrate their 100th birthdays.
He also reiterated his dream of witnessing the realization of the East African Federation, which he described as a safeguard against future marginalization or domination of African nations.
Born on June 24, 1948, Janet Kataaha Museveni has served as Uganda’s First Lady since 1986 and has held several senior government positions, including Minister of Karamoja Affairs before taking over the Education and Sports docket.
While questions remain about the illness she faced earlier this year, Museveni’s latest remarks indicate that she has made significant progress in her recovery, offering reassurance to supporters and well-wishers across Uganda and beyond.
