President Museveni Reveals First Lady Janet Museveni Survived Serious Health Crisis
KAMPALA, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has disclosed that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni recently survived a severe health crisis, revealing for the first time that she battled a life-threatening illness earlier this year.
In an emotional birthday tribute shared on his X account on June 24, 2026, Museveni said the First Lady fell critically ill on March 21, 2026, but has since made significant progress in her recovery.
Museveni Credits God and Doctors for Recovery
The President described the incident as a major health challenge and expressed gratitude for what he called divine intervention and the efforts of medical professionals who helped save her life.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni wrote.
He added that God worked through skilled doctors to ensure the First Lady’s survival.
“God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” he said.
The President did not disclose the specific illness that affected the First Lady or where she received treatment.
March 21 Holds Special Significance
Museveni also linked the date of the First Lady’s illness to a significant moment in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
According to the President, March 21 marks the anniversary of a key military victory achieved by resistance fighters against forces loyal to former Ugandan leader Idi Amin in 1979.
“The 21st of March is a good day for the Resistance. That is when we defeated the counter-attack of Idi Amin at Rugaando, 12 miles from Mbarara, in 1979,” he noted.
Tribute to Janet Museveni’s Role in Family and Nation
Museveni used the birthday message to reflect on the First Lady’s contributions to both family and national development.
He praised her sacrifices during Uganda’s liberation struggle, particularly between 1981 and 1986, when she cared for their children while living in exile as he participated in the bush war.
“Maama has done great things in the family, especially caring for the children during the second phase of the Resistance between 1981 and 1986 when she was alone in exile and I was in the bush,” Museveni said.
Recognizing Public Service and Philanthropy
The President also highlighted Janet Museveni’s contributions through the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans, describing her as a committed philanthropist who has supported vulnerable children and communities across Uganda.
In addition, he praised her involvement in politics in Ntungamo District and her role in promoting faith-based initiatives.
“She has been a great philanthropist with UWESO and has contributed to NRM politics in Ntungamo, in addition to her religious work,” he said.
Vision for East African Federation
Museveni concluded the tribute with a personal prayer, expressing hope that both he and the First Lady would live long enough to witness the realization of the proposed East African Community Federation.
“I pray to God to get us to 100 years respectively so that we, among other good things, see the birth of the East African Federation,” he wrote.
The President described regional integration as an important pillar for long-term peace, stability, and economic transformation in East Africa.
Previous Health Speculation Addressed
The revelation comes months after public speculation about Janet Museveni’s health following her reappointment as Minister of Education and Sports. Questions had emerged after she did not appear before Parliament during the vetting process, prompting debate among lawmakers and the public.
While the President’s statement confirms that the First Lady faced a serious health challenge, details regarding her diagnosis and treatment remain undisclosed.
