President Museveni has revealed that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni recently survived a serious health crisis, disclosing for the first time that she endured a life-threatening illness earlier this year.
In a heartfelt birthday message posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Museveni said the First Lady—whom he affectionately calls Maama—fell critically ill on March 21, 2026, but has since made a strong recovery.
He described the episode as a “severe health crisis,” crediting both divine intervention and medical professionals for her survival.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni said.
He added that “God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well.”
The President also drew a historical parallel, noting that March 21 carries symbolic significance for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), linking it to a 1979 battle during the struggle against former President Idi Amin’s forces.
“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.
Museveni used the message to reflect on the First Lady’s personal sacrifices during the liberation struggle, particularly between 1981 and 1986, when he was engaged in the bush war while she cared for their children 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,” he said.
He further praised her public service contributions, including her role in the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), her political work in Ntungamo District, and her involvement in faith-based 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,” Museveni added.
The President concluded with a personal prayer, expressing hope for long life for both of them and envisioning a future united 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, describing it as a long-term safeguard for regional stability and development.
Ms Museveni, who was reappointed to the Education and Sports ministry, did not appear before Parliament for vetting. Efforts by some MPs to push for a digital assessment were also rebuffed as speculation went wild about her health.
The President, however, did not reveal where the First Lady was being treated from.
