By Ben Musanje
First Lady Janet Museveni has made her first public appearance in nearly five months, ending a prolonged absence from official engagements following a serious health scare that began in March.
Maama Janet appeared publicly on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, alongside President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the couple hosted international evangelist Bishop Dr. LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe.
Her return to the public spotlight comes almost two months after President Museveni publicly disclosed that the First Lady had suffered a medical emergency.
The President revealed the health scare on June 24, 2026, during celebrations marking Janet Museveni’s 78th birthday, providing an explanation for her absence from public events and official functions since March 21.
For months, her disappearance from the public eye had fuelled speculation, with the First Lady largely absent from engagements at which she would ordinarily have been expected to accompany the President.
Her appearance on Wednesday therefore marked a significant return to public life, although the meeting was primarily focused on faith, Uganda’s transformation and the longstanding relationship between the Osborn family and Uganda.
Dr. Osborn is in the country at the invitation of Pastor Patience Rwabwogo ahead of her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop on August 23. The ceremony will also coincide with the 20th anniversary celebrations of Covenant Nations Church in Luzira.
During the State House meeting, Dr. Osborn described herself as a friend of Uganda and reflected on her family’s long history of Christian ministry in the country.
She recalled making her first visit to Uganda in 1985 with her late mother, when they spent several weeks preparing for a major evangelistic crusade at Lugogo.
Dr. Osborn said the Uganda she encountered at the time was struggling with the effects of years of conflict, insecurity and destruction. She recalled poor infrastructure in Kampala and communities facing significant hardship after prolonged instability.
She contrasted those memories with the Uganda of today, commending what she described as the country’s transformation over the past four decades, particularly in peace, education, health and freedom of worship and expression.
Dr. Osborn also reflected on the challenges that accompany leadership, saying people engaged in important work will inevitably face criticism and opposition.
She encouraged Pastor Patience to remain focused on her calling, drawing a parallel with the biblical account of Nehemiah, who faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
She cited Nehemiah’s response to those attempting to distract him: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
According to Dr. Osborn, the message applies not only to spiritual leaders but also to those serving in secular leadership, where commitment to a worthy mission can require perseverance in the face of criticism.
For Maama Janet, the meeting also provided an opportunity to recall the deep personal connection between her family and Dr. Osborn’s late mother.
The First Lady said Dr. Osborn’s mother had once visited the Museveni family in Uganda to pray with them and gave each of their children their first Bible, along with one of her books.
Janet said the book contained a message encouraging readers to seek God, an experience she described as personally transformative.
“Your mother came to Uganda and came to pray with us. It was precious. She gave each of our children their first Bible and one of her books,” the First Lady recalled.
She said the memories of Dr. Osborn’s mother remained deeply cherished by the family.
“There is so much remembrance of your mother. Your mother and yourself mean a lot to us,” she said.
Janet also expressed gratitude for Pastor Patience’s forthcoming consecration, praising her relationship with God.
“When we see Pastor Patience going to be consecrated a Bishop, we cannot thank God enough,” she said.
The meeting brought together a personal history of faith and friendship spanning more than four decades, while also highlighting the role of religious leaders in Uganda’s social and spiritual life.
Dr. Osborn is expected to participate in a series of Christian activities in the days leading up to the August 23 consecration at Covenant Nations Church in Luzira.
The event will also mark the church’s 20th anniversary.
Pastor Patience Rwabwogo attended the State House meeting.
For Janet Museveni, however, the engagement carried an additional significance: it marked her first known public appearance since her health-related absence began in March, bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts and wellbeing. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
