JANET’S SICK LEAVE FORCES MUSEVENI SHAKE-UP! Muyingo handed Education docket, Kasolo promoted to head Foreign Affairs Ministry

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo as the Acting Minister of Education and Sports, while also elevating State Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo to head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a mini-reshuffle prompted by the temporary absence of key cabinet members.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, were announced in separate communications from the President and are intended to ensure continuity in government operations as two senior officials—First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare—remain unavailable to serve in the respective portfolios.

According to the presidential statement, Dr. Muyingo will oversee the Ministry of Education and Sports until the substantive minister, Janet Museveni, returns from sick leave.The appointment formalises a role that many observers say the veteran education administrator has effectively been performing over the past several years, given his position as Minister of State for Higher Education.

MUYINGO ACCEPTS APPOINTMENT

Speaking shortly after the announcement, Dr. Muyingo welcomed the confidence the President had placed in him and pledged to continue serving the country diligently.”I am deeply grateful to His Excellency the President for entrusting me with this responsibility. My commitment remains to ensure that the Ministry continues to deliver quality education services without interruption as we await the return of the substantive minister. I wish Maama Janet a quick and full recovery,” Muyingo said.

Education stakeholders described the appointment as one based on experience rather than politics.

Dr. Muyingo has spent decades in Uganda’s education sector, serving as a teacher, school proprietor, Member of Parliament and minister. Before joining Cabinet, he was widely credited for transforming Uganda Martyrs Namugongo, St. Charles Lwanga College, Kasasa, into one of the country’s leading secondary schools.

Political analyst Stephen Baguma argued that the announcement merely formalised what has been happening in practice.”What is breaking about this announcement? He has effectively been the minister for the last five-plus years,” Baguma remarked. Others welcomed the decision as recognition of Muyingo’s long-standing contribution to education.

MIXED REACTIONS

“Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo takes over as acting Education Minister. Congratulations. Now all eyes will be on what changes, if any, this brings to Uganda’s education sector.”

Dr. Aggrey Atwine also praised the appointment. “Dr. Muyingo’s contribution to the education sector is remarkably outstanding. His appointment is yet again a sign of recognition and appreciation of his great contribution. Congratulations Dr. John Muyingo.”

JANET MUSEVENI ON SICK LEAVE

The appointment comes just a day after President Museveni publicly disclosed that First Lady Janet Museveni is currently on sick leave following a recent health scare.

The President had revealed that although she is recovering well, doctors advised her to take time away from official duties, necessitating temporary arrangements to ensure the smooth running of the Ministry of Education and Sports.Janet Museveni who turned 78 yesterday has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016, overseeing key government programmes including Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), curriculum reforms and expansion of vocational training. Government officials expect her to resume office once her medical leave ends.

KASOLO ELEVATED AT FOREIGN AFFAIRS

In a separate development, President Museveni elevated John Mulimba Kasolo to head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kasolo, who had only recently taken oath as State Minister for Foreign Affairs, now assumes the responsibilities of the minister following developments surrounding Ambassador Adonia Ayebare.The appointment followed the reported rejection of Ambassador Ayebare over concerns regarding dual citizenship, effectively leaving the ministry without a substantive political head.

Kasolo accepted the appointment, describing it as a great honour to serve Uganda.

“I thank His Excellency the President for the confidence he has placed in me. I am ready to serve Uganda with dedication and to continue advancing our country’s foreign policy objectives, strengthening diplomatic relations and protecting Uganda’s interests abroad,” Kasolo said.He added that he would work closely with career diplomats and officials within the ministry to ensure continuity in Uganda’s international engagements.

WHAT THE APPOINTMENTS MEAN

The latest appointments ensure that two of the country’s most strategic ministries continue functioning despite the temporary absence of substantive office holders.The Ministry of Education and Sports plays a central role in implementing government education policies affecting millions of learners across Uganda.

Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates Uganda’s diplomatic missions, international partnerships, regional integration and foreign policy implementation.By appointing experienced ministers already serving within government, President Museveni has opted for continuity rather than introducing entirely new faces into the Cabinet.

MISSING MINISTERS

The appointments also shed light on the circumstances surrounding the two absent senior government officials.Janet Museveni is currently on medically recommended sick leave after the President recently disclosed that she had experienced a health challenge from which she is recovering.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare did not assume the Foreign Affairs portfolio following reports that his appointment faced obstacles over his dual citizenship status, prompting the President to instead elevate Kasolo to take charge of the ministry.Government has not indicated whether Ayebare could be considered for another position in future.

FOCUS TURNS TO DELIVERY

With both appointments taking immediate effect, attention now shifts from the announcements to performance.Education stakeholders will be keen to see whether Dr. Muyingo introduces new momentum in addressing challenges such as teacher welfare, school infrastructure, curriculum implementation and higher education financing.

At the Foreign Affairs ministry, Kasolo will be expected to steer Uganda’s diplomatic agenda at a time when the country continues strengthening bilateral ties, regional cooperation and international investment partnerships.The appointments underline President Museveni’s preference for experienced hands to fill temporary leadership gaps, while maintaining stability in key government institutions until substantive office holders return or permanent arrangements are made.

Author Profile

Stephen Kasozi Muwambi: Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]