President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the long-serving State Minister for Higher Education, as the Acting Minister of Education and Sports.
In a press release dated June 25, 2026, State House Uganda announced that the appointment was made under Article 99(1) of the Constitution of Uganda.
“In exercise of the powers vested in the President under Article 99(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo as the Acting Minister of Education and Sports in the absence of a substantive Minister,” the State House Press release read.
The appointment of John Muyingo as the acting Minister of Education and Sport follows questions over the absence of Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Janet Museveni, who was the substantive minister and First Lady, has been away from public duties since late March due to health issues, as confirmed by Ugandan President Museveni.
Janet Museveni’s Absence
As the first Lady, Janet Museveni missed several major national events, including President Museveni’s seventh-term inauguration in May 2026.
In addition, the absence of the first lady was noted during the NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi, Parliamentary vetting for the new cabinet, and the cabinet swearing-in ceremony.
President Museveni confirmed that Janet had suffered a serious health scare but was recovering.
In a message shared on Wednesday, June 24, Museveni disclosed that Janet Museveni, whom he referred to in his social media statement as ‘Maama,’ fell ill on March 21, 2026.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni stated.
Janet Museveni has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016.
Under Janet’s tenure, Uganda experienced curriculum reforms in primary and secondary education, as well as the expansion of the higher education system.
Additionally, the first lady was responsible for the oversight of teacher recruitment and welfare.
Further, Janet Museveni was involved in the promotion of sports development as part of the national education policy.
Muyingo, a veteran educationist and politician, who was sworn in earlier this month as State Minister for Higher Education, will now assume the position of acting Education Minister.
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John Muyingo’s Career
The newly appointed Minister of Education and Sports holds a Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics and Chemistry from Makerere University, attained in 1986.
In addition, Muyingo holds a Diploma in Education, a Master of Arts in Educational Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from Makerere University, with a specialization in higher education financing and management.
In his career in the education sector, Muyingo started as a secondary school teacher and later served as head teacher at Uganda Martyrs’ Secondary School, Namugongo.
During his tenure as head teacher at Uganda Martyrs’ Secondary School, the school gained recognition for its academic performance and co-curricular excellence.
John Muyingo is also recognized as the founder of Seeta University and associated Seeta schools.
As an education minister, Muyingo has championed the strengthening of quality assurance in universities.
Further, Muyingo was associated with the expansion of student financing and loans schemes as well as the promotion of digital infrastructure and e-learning in Uganda.
Additionally, the minister advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and established an international partnership with KOICA-supported e-learning projects.
Also Read: How a Christmas Meeting in Nairobi Sparked Museveni and Janet’s Love Story
Achievements
Politically, John Chrysostom Muyingo is a former Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County in Luweero District.
Later, John was appointed State Minister for Higher Education in 2011, serving until 2015, when he held the position of State Minister for Primary Education until 2016.
Muyingo served again in the Higher Education docket from June 2016 to June 2026, when he was sworn in as the Minister for Higher Education, before he was appointed the Acting Minister of Education and Sports.
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