KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Makerere University Vice Chancellor and presidential aspirant Venansius Baryamureeba has urged President Yoweri Museveni to appoint his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, as Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, arguing that it would ensure continuity as First Lady Janet Museveni continues recovering from illness.
In a post published on X on Thursday, August 6, Baryamureeba said the Education Ministry should begin what he described as a transition from the First Lady to Natasha, citing Janet Museveni’s prolonged absence from public duties.
“Now is the time for transition from Mama Janet to Natasha at the Ministry of Education and Sports,” Baryamureeba wrote.
Cites First Lady’s recovery
Baryamureeba said while Ugandans continued praying for the First Lady’s full recovery, she should prioritise her health rather than return immediately to the demands of running one of the country’s largest ministries.
“We have been praying for the First Lady to have full recovery but even as she recovers fully she should put her life first and avoid the stressful work at the Ministry of Education and Sports. Serving as First Lady is very demanding on its own,” he said.
Janet Museveni has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016.
She has not attended public engagements since falling ill in March 2026, prompting speculation about when she will resume her official duties.
In June, President Museveni disclosed that the First Lady had narrowly survived what he described as a life-threatening illness.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” the President wrote while marking her 78th birthday.
A day later, Janet Museveni issued her first public message since her illness, thanking Ugandans for their prayers and expressing gratitude for the support she had received during her recovery.
President Museveni later confirmed that she had been discharged from hospital.
Acting minister overseeing docket
Although Janet Museveni has not resumed public engagements, the government has not announced that she has vacated the Education Ministry.
In her absence, State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo has been assigned to oversee the ministry in an acting capacity.
There has been no indication from State House that President Museveni is considering appointing a substantive replacement.
Baryamureeba backs Natasha Museveni Karugire
Baryamureeba argued that Natasha Museveni Karugire possesses the experience and institutional knowledge required to lead the ministry.
He said she has accompanied President Museveni on campaign tours, interacted with communities across the country and is familiar with the First Lady’s education agenda.
“Natasha has been on campaign trails with the President and knows the needs of Ugandans in the education and sports sectors. She also knows what Mama Janet has done and intends to do in the next five years,” he said.
He further argued that Natasha would benefit from guidance by both President Museveni and the First Lady and would be well placed to mobilise resources for the education sector.
“She is also more placed to be coached and mentored by the President and First Lady on education and sports matters. She also has the goodwill and support of stakeholders in the education sector,” Baryamureeba said.
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He added that her experience at State House would strengthen the ministry’s ability to secure funding from the Ministry of Finance and Parliament.
According to Baryamureeba, appointing Natasha would provide continuity in the management of Uganda’s education and sports sectors.
“If this transition happens, it will be one of the best successions that would ensure seamless continuity in the education and sports sectors,” he said.
No indication of appointment
Natasha Museveni Karugire has not publicly expressed interest in serving as Minister of Education and Sports.
Similarly, neither State House nor the Presidency has indicated that President Museveni is considering changes to the Education Ministry.
The proposal comes as public attention remains focused on the First Lady’s recovery and the future leadership of one of Uganda’s largest government ministries.
Members of President Museveni’s family already occupy or have held prominent public roles. His son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, serves as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations, while his younger brother, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, widely known as Salim Saleh, remains a senior presidential adviser and plays a leading role in Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
