KAMPALA. First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Kataaha Museveni did not appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee during this week’s vetting exercise, becoming one of only two ministerial nominees yet to be cleared for appointment.
Sources familiar with the process said Janet had initially been expected to appear before the committee for vetting as she seeks to continue serving as Minister of Education and Sports in President Yoweri Museveni’s new administration.
However, officials said the First Lady communicated to Parliament that she was unable to attend the scheduled session and requested additional time.
The request was granted by the committee.
Her absence comes months after concerns emerged about her health following reports that she had fallen ill.
At the time, Senior Presidential Advisor Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso moved to reassure the public, saying the First Lady’s condition had improved.
“Maama Janet is now feeling better and out of danger,” Nalweyiso said.
The development means Janet Museveni remains among the few Cabinet nominees whose vetting is yet to be concluded.
Speaking after the exercise, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Parliament had completed the vetting of 80 out of the 82 ministerial nominees presented by President Museveni.
“We have approved 80 out of the 82 ministerial nominees,” Tayebwa told journalists.
“One is still pending because they have not yet appeared before the committee, and another one we found issues, which we are going to communicate to the appointing authority to look into.”
While Tayebwa did not identify the nominees, parliamentary sources indicated that Janet Museveni is among those whose vetting remains pending following her request for more time.
Janet Museveni has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016 and is one of the longest-serving members of Cabinet.
During her tenure, she has overseen several major reforms in the education sector, including implementation of the lower secondary curriculum, expansion of technical and vocational education, and government efforts to improve access to education across the country. But the biggest question many Ugandans ask ,is why the appointing authority reappointed a person who is ill yet there are other people who can ably serve in the same position . Mr Museveni 82, has ruled Uganda with an iron hand for four decades and he is still counting . His powerful Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba heads the military scores of his relatives are also occupying key positions in government .