President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the current State Minister for Higher Education, to serve as Acting Minister of Education and Sports. The move comes while First Lady Janet Museveni recovers from a serious illness that has kept her away from public duties for several months.
The appointment was announced on Thursday through an official statement from the Presidency. It takes immediate effect under the powers vested in the President by Article 99(1) of the Constitution of Uganda.
“Muyingo will temporarily head the ministry in the absence of a substantive Minister,” the statement explained.
Janet Museveni was reappointed as Minister of Education and Sports during last month’s cabinet reshuffle. However, she has not resumed active responsibilities. She missed her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee and was absent from the ministers’ swearing-in ceremony, which sparked speculation about her health.
On Wednesday, while marking the First Lady’s 78th birthday, President Museveni publicly revealed for the first time that she fell critically ill in March. He noted that she has since recovered by the grace of God, describing the period as one of significant concern for the family. The First Lady has not appeared at major government events since March.
Muyingo, a veteran educationist and legislator, is viewed as one of the most experienced officials in the ministry. He has long served as State Minister for Higher Education and has played a key role in shaping higher education policies.
His appointment is expected to maintain smooth operations in the large and critical Education and Sports Ministry. This includes oversight of schools, universities, sports programs, and ongoing sector reforms.
This development forms part of President Museveni’s broader steps to address leadership gaps in key ministries while finalising substantive appointments. On Wednesday, the President similarly named State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Attention in the education sector is nevertheless expected to remain on Janet Museveni’s health and her anticipated return. She has led the ministry since 2016 and continues to be a highly influential member of the administration.