President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni recently survived a serious health crisis, shedding light on a private battle that had remained unknown to the public.
The revelation was made in an emotional birthday tribute shared on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as the First Lady celebrated her 78th birthday.
In the message posted on his X account, the President disclosed that Janet Museveni fell critically ill on March 21, 2026, and faced what he described as a severe health crisis.
According to Museveni, the First Lady’s condition was serious enough to threaten her life.
However, he said she survived through a combination of medical intervention and divine protection.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni said.
The President expressed gratitude for what he described as God’s intervention during the difficult period.
“God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” he added.
The disclosure comes months after speculation emerged regarding the First Lady’s health.
Questions about her well-being intensified after she did not personally appear before Parliament during the vetting process following her reappointment as Minister of Education and Sports.
At the time, some legislators suggested a virtual assessment.
However, the proposal did not materialize, fueling further public discussion about her condition.
Despite revealing details of the health scare, the President did not disclose the nature of the illness or where the First Lady received treatment.
Beyond discussing her recovery, Museveni used the birthday message to reflect on the symbolic significance of March 21 in the history of the National Resistance Movement.
He noted that the date is remembered for a key military victory during the struggle against former President Idi Amin’s government.
“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 said.
The President also paid tribute to Janet Museveni’s role during Uganda’s liberation struggle.
He recalled the sacrifices she made between 1981 and 1986 while he was involved in the bush war.
During that period, she remained responsible for raising and caring for their children while living in exile.
“Maama has done great things in the family, especially caring for the children during the 2nd phase of the Resistance between 1981 to 1986 when she was alone in exile and I was in the bush,” Museveni said.
The President further highlighted the First Lady’s contributions to public service and national development.
He praised her work through the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), an organization that has supported vulnerable children and families for decades.
He also commended her involvement in political mobilization and community development initiatives.
“She has been a great philanthropist with UWESO and she has contributed to the NRM politics in Ntungamo on top of her religious work,” he said.
Janet Museveni has served in several senior government positions over the years and remains one of Uganda’s most influential public figures.
Her work in education, women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare has earned recognition both locally and internationally.
The President concluded his message with a personal prayer and a reflection on the future of the East African region.
He expressed hope that both he and the First Lady would live long enough to witness the realization of the East African Federation.
“I pray to God to get us to 100 years respectively so that we, among the other good things, see the birth of the East African Federation,” he said.
Museveni described the proposed federation as an important step toward strengthening regional stability, economic growth and long-term prosperity.
As messages of goodwill continue to pour in for the First Lady, many Ugandans have expressed relief at news of her recovery.
The revelation has also provided fresh insight into a health battle that had remained hidden from public view for months.
For supporters and well-wishers, her 78th birthday now stands not only as a celebration of another year of life but also as a testament to resilience, faith and recovery in the face of adversity.
