KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni was notably absent on Tuesday as President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for seventh term at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, triggering widespread public concern and speculation over her health.
It marked the first time since Uganda’s 1996 elections that Janet Museveni failed to attend her husband’s presidential inauguration ceremony, an absence that quickly dominated conversations both at the venue and across social media platforms.
Instead of the First Lady, Museveni was accompanied by his daughter, Natasha Karugire, who stood beside him as he took the oath of office before regional leaders, diplomats and thousands of supporters gathered at Kololo.
As murmurs spread through the crowd regarding the First Lady’s whereabouts, the Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, publicly addressed the matter during prayers at the ceremony.
The bishop, who also serves as the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, assured Ugandans that Janet Museveni had “healed and recovered,” remarks that drew applause from sections of the audience.
Mwesigwa also thanked the First Lady for what he described as her unwavering support for Museveni throughout the election campaign and prayed for the wellbeing of the First Family.
Public concern about Janet Museveni’s health had intensified in recent weeks amid limited official communication from State House, creating space for rumours and misinformation online.
Retired Lieutenant General Proscovia Nalweyiso was among the first senior figures to publicly comment on the issue, revealing in media interviews that President Museveni had informed close associates that the First Lady had been unwell but was recovering steadily.
Nalweyiso appealed to Ugandans to continue praying for her recovery.
The uncertainty surrounding Janet Museveni’s condition also led to controversy online, with authorities moving against individuals accused of spreading false information.
Journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose was arrested and charged with publishing false and distressing information after allegedly circulating claims on social media suggesting the First Lady had died. He was later released on bail.
Janet Museveni, who also serves as Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, has remained one of the most influential figures within Uganda’s political establishment for decades.
She has played a central role in Museveni’s political journey dating back to the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war period in the 1980s and has consistently maintained a visible public profile during major national events and election campaigns.
During the 2026 election campaign, the First Lady actively participated in rallies and political mobilisation efforts across several regions of the country, reinforcing her position as one of Museveni’s closest political allies.
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Her absence at Tuesday’s inauguration therefore attracted unusual attention, particularly as the ceremony marked another historic milestone in Museveni’s long rule, which now stretches beyond four decades.
The inauguration itself was held under tight security, with thousands of supporters, regional leaders and foreign dignitaries attending the ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Museveni’s new term comes amid continued scrutiny from opposition groups and international observers following concerns raised over the January 2026 General Election, internet shutdowns and allegations of restrictions on political freedoms.
Despite the political tensions, the Ugandan government has maintained that the election and transition process were conducted lawfully and peacefully.
