Baryamureeba Urges Museveni to Appoint Natasha Museveni as Education Minister

Former Makerere University Vice Chancellor and presidential candidate Venacius Baryamureeba has called on President Yoweri Museveni to appoint his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, as Minister of Education and Sports, replacing First Lady Janet Museveni.

Baryamureeba, who runs Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU), made the appeal in a post on X, saying the ministry should transition from “Mama Janet” to Natasha as the First Lady continues recovering from an illness that has kept her away from public duties since March.

“Now is the time for transition from Mama Janet to Natasha at the Ministry of Education and Sports,” Baryamureeba wrote.

He said that although Ugandans continue to pray for the First Lady’s full recovery, she should prioritise her health and avoid the demands of managing one of the country’s largest ministries.

“We have been praying for the First Lady to have full recovery, but even as she recovers fully, she should put her life first and avoid the stressful work at the MoES. Serving as First Lady is very demanding on its own,” he said.

Janet Museveni, who has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016, has not attended public engagements since falling ill in March. During celebrations marking her 78th birthday, President Museveni revealed that she had narrowly survived a life-threatening medical condition.

“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni wrote on June 24, 2026.

In her first public message since March, Mrs Museveni thanked the nation for its prayers and support.

“It’s me, Janet Museveni. It is a confirmation that the God I talk about is a living God. He is not a myth, He lives!

“I must therefore thank Uganda, beginning with Mzee, who has prayed with the whole nation. I praise God for leading us to know Him. Thank you all for coming out publicly to pray for me. Thank you for all those continuous prayers and also for the kind birthday wishes. Thank you for letting me know just how much I am loved,” she wrote on June 25.

Although President Museveni later confirmed that the First Lady had been discharged from hospital, she has not returned to public duties, appeared before Parliament for vetting or been sworn in for another term as Education Minister.

In her absence, State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo has been appointed to serve as acting minister.

Baryamureeba argued that Natasha Museveni Karugire has the experience and exposure needed to lead the ministry, citing her involvement in the President’s campaign activities and interactions with communities across the country.

“Natasha has been on campaign trails with the President and knows the needs of Ugandans in the education and sports sectors. She also knows what Mama Janet has done and intends to do in the next five years,” he said.

He added that Natasha would benefit from mentorship from both President Museveni and the First Lady on education and sports matters.

“She is also better placed to be coached and mentored by the President and First Lady on education and sports matters. She also has the goodwill and support of stakeholders in the education sector,” he said.

Baryamureeba described Natasha as knowledgeable and capable, saying her experience at State House would help her mobilise resources for the ministry.

“The Ministry of Education and Sports requires substantial financing, and she has the capacity to engage the President, the Ministry of Finance and Parliament to ensure the ministry is adequately funded,” he said.

He added that appointing Natasha would ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the education and sports sectors.

“Lastly, if this transition happens, it will be one of the best successions that would ensure seamless continuity in the education and sports sectors,” Baryamureeba said.

Natasha Museveni Karugire has not publicly expressed interest in the Education Ministry portfolio, and there has been no indication from State House that President Museveni is considering replacing the First Lady.

Meanwhile, First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and a Senior Presidential Advisor, while the President’s brother, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh, heads Operation Wealth Creation and remains an influential figure from his bases in Gulu and Kapeeka.