Janet Museveni Misses Cabinet Vetting, Swearing-In Uncertain

As President Museveni’s extensive 83-member cabinet prepares for their swearing-in ceremony, two key nominees face uncertainty. Janet Museveni, the First Lady and incumbent Minister of Education and Sports, failed to appear for the parliamentary Appointments Committee’s two-day vetting process last week. Her absence, along with that of Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Minister-designate for Internal Affairs, means their approval and subsequent oath-taking remain pending.

Dr. Muganga was reportedly not cleared due to concerns over holding dual citizenship from Rwanda, Canada, and Uganda, a potential violation of the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act. Meanwhile, Mrs. Museveni’s no-show has sparked considerable discussion, especially given her reduced public profile in recent months. Her last public appearance noted online was in late March, and she notably missed President Museveni’s own swearing-in ceremony earlier in May, where a prayer for her health was offered.

Parliamentary committee members confirmed that Mrs. Museveni did not present herself for vetting. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa stated that out of 82 nominees vetted, 80 were approved, with one rejected and one pending. MP Paul Mwiru specifically noted that the Education Minister-designate did not appear and that the committee could not vet her in absentia. Despite the possibility of a remote vetting, as was done for another nominee, a request for such an arrangement for Mrs. Museveni has not been confirmed.

Attempts to solicit explanations from State House officials and the First Lady’s personal assistant have been unsuccessful. The Ministry of Education also deferred inquiries about Mrs. Museveni’s whereabouts to the State House. The situation leaves the fate of the First Lady’s ministerial position uncertain ahead of the scheduled swearing-in.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)