Written By | BK Mugizi
Muyingo will be standing in for Janet as she recovers
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KAMPALA
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo as Acting Minister of Education and Sports in a temporary arrangement as First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni recovers from illness.
According to a State House communication dated Thursday, June 25, 2026, the appointment takes immediate effect under Article 99(1) of the Constitution.
The development follows growing public interest after President Museveni publicly disclosed that the First Lady had recently battled a serious illness and is currently recovering.
In a birthday message released on June 24, as Janet marked her 78th birthday, Museveni revealed that his wife had experienced a major health challenge three months ago.
"Three months ago, on the 21st of March 2026, Sitaane launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated... God, using good doctors, saved Maama's life, and she is now recovering well," Museveni said.
The President's message was the first public confirmation that the First Lady had suffered a significant health setback in recent months.
Museveni also reflected on their family's journey, recalling their reunion in Nairobi in December 1972 during Uganda's turbulent political years and thanking God for preserving Janet through childhood challenges and her years of public service.
Questions had earlier emerged regarding Janet Museveni's absence from the recent parliamentary vetting exercise following her reappointment to Cabinet.
Muyingo Takes Charge
Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo is one of Uganda's longest-serving education sector leaders and currently serves as the Minister of State for Higher Education.
Before joining frontline national politics, Muyingo built a distinguished career in school administration and education management. Over the years, he has played a key role in shaping education policy and institutional leadership in Uganda.
His appointment places him in charge of the Ministry of Education and Sports in an acting capacity pending Janet Museveni's full recovery or any further government directive.
Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo
Janet's Decade at the Ministry
Janet Museveni has served as Minister of Education and Sports since June 6, 2016, making her one of the longest-serving Education ministers in Uganda's recent history.
Before assuming the Education portfolio, she served as Minister for Karamoja Affairs from 2011 to 2016 and previously represented Ruhaama County in Parliament.
She also serves as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Chairperson for Ntungamo District.
