Uganda’s First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni is expected to make her first public appearance in five months later this month, following an extended absence from public engagements after a serious health scare earlier this year.
According to a program released ahead of the event, Mrs. Museveni is expected to attend the consecration of her daughter, Patience Rwabwogo, as a bishop on Aug. 23 at Covenant Hill in Maya. President Yoweri Museveni is also listed as a guest of honor.
The ceremony will see Rwabwogo consecrated to the episcopal office of bishop of Covenant Nations Churches in Uganda and beyond. The event will also commemorate the church’s 20th anniversary. Rwabwogo founded the ministry and serves as its leader.
American evangelist Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn is scheduled to officiate the ceremony, while Nigerian pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, are expected to attend as special guests. Israeli worship ministers Hellen Yilma and Emanuel Roro are also expected to perform.
If Mrs. Museveni attends as planned, it will mark her first public appearance since March 20, when she participated in a fundraising event for the construction of a science block and laboratory at Seeta College in Mukono District.
She reportedly suffered a serious health crisis the following day, March 21, and has remained out of the public eye while recovering. Her absence from several high-profile national events, including President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds on May 12, fueled widespread public concern and speculation about her condition.
The first official update came on June 24, when President Museveni shared a message while celebrating his wife’s 78th birthday. He revealed that she had experienced a life-threatening medical emergency but was recovering.
“Three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, Satan launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Satan miscalculated,” the president wrote.
He added that doctors, together with what he described as divine intervention, had helped save her life and that she was recovering well.
Neither the First Lady nor State House has disclosed the nature of the illness.
Her anticipated appearance at the Aug. 23 ceremony is likely to be closely watched by many Ugandans, who have followed updates on her recovery in recent months. Beyond its religious significance, the event is expected to symbolize her gradual return to public life after months away from official engagements.
