Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that First Lady Janet Museveni recently survived a serious illness, crediting God and doctors for saving her life.
In a post on X marking Janet's 78th birthday on June 24, Museveni disclosed that she suffered a health scare on March 21, 2026, but is now recovering well.
"Sitaane (Satan), three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated," Museveni wrote.
"God, using good doctors, saved Maama's life, and she is now recovering well."
Although he did not disclose the nature of the illness, Museveni described her recovery as a blessing and thanked God for preserving her life.
From Omugurusi Ampa to Maama Giinga.
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) June 24, 2026
Today, the 24th of June is Maama’s birthday having arrived on Earth on this very day 78 years ago. The family and myself thank God for having given us Maama, kept her safe in the years of orphanhood having lost her Father, Mzee Edward… pic.twitter.com/eXfaqvP7R7
The Ugandan leader also linked the date of her illness to a significant moment in the country's liberation struggle. He noted that March 21 was the day resistance forces repelled a counter-attack by former president Idi Amin's troops at Rugaando near Mbarara in 1979.
In the lengthy tribute, Museveni praised his wife for her contributions to their family and the nation over the years. He commended her for raising their children during the armed resistance period when he spent long stretches away fighting in the bush.
"Maama has done great things in the family, especially caring for the children during the second phase of the Resistance between 1981 and 1986 when she was alone in exile and I was in the bush," he wrote.
Museveni also lauded Janet's work through the Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), her role in National Resistance Movement (NRM) politics and her religious activities.
The president further reflected on what he described as a "miraculous reconnection" with Janet in Nairobi on Christmas Day in 1972 after years without contact, despite both having grown up in Ntungamo and attended Kyamate School.
"It is that accidental and miraculous re-connection that enabled me to have a family even when I was still in the risky life of exile and the Resistance," he said.
The couple have four children and 15 grandchildren.
Museveni concluded by praying that they would both live to celebrate their 100th birthdays and witness the establishment of the East African Federation.
Ugandans joined in celebrating the First Lady's birthday, sending messages of goodwill and prayers for her continued recovery, good health and prosperity.