Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that his wife, First Lady Janet Museveni, narrowly survived a life-threatening health scare three months ago.
In a message shared on Wednesday, June 24, Museveni disclosed that Janet Museveni, whom he referred to as “Maama”, fell seriously ill on March 21, 2026, but has since recovered and is doing well.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni said, using the word “Sitaane”, meaning Satan.
Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni Survived a Health Scare Three Months Ago
The Ugandan leader said March 21 holds special significance for Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), recalling that it was on the same date in 1979 that resistance forces defeated a counter-attack by former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin at Rugaando, near Mbarara.
“God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life, and she is now recovering well,” Museveni said.
The president did not disclose the nature of the illness that affected the First Lady or where she received treatment.
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Museveni used the message to praise Janet Museveni for her contribution to their family and the country over the years.
He said she played a critical role in caring for their children during the liberation struggle between 1981 and 1986, when he was in the bush leading the rebellion, and she was living in exile.
“Maama has done great things in the family, especially caring for the children during the second phase of the Resistance between 1981 and 1986 when she was alone in exile and I was in the bush,” he said.
The president also lauded his wife for her philanthropic work through the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), her contribution to NRM politics in Ntungamo and her religious activities.
“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, which is the insurance of Africa against any future domination or marginalization,” he said.
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Janet Museveni’s Health Scare Explains Her Inauguration Absence
Museveni’s revelation also sheds light on the mystery surrounding Janet Museveni’s absence during his inauguration ceremony earlier this year.
The First Lady was notably absent when President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for another term at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on May 12, 2026, in a heavily guarded ceremony attended by regional leaders, foreign diplomats, senior military commanders and thousands of invited guests.
Her absence quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the event.
The First Lady, who also serves as Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, has for decades been a visible presence at major national events, including previous presidential inaugurations, independence celebrations and state ceremonies.
Her reserved seat within the official enclosure remained empty throughout the proceedings, prompting speculation among some guests and viewers following the live broadcast.
At the time, neither the State House nor the Office of the First Lady provided an explanation for her absence.
Museveni’s latest disclosure that his wife suffered a serious health scare on March 21 and was still recovering appears to explain why she missed the high-profile state function.
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