HISTORY
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday took oath for his seventh consecutive elective term at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, extending his leadership to nearly four decades, but the ceremony was marked by the notable absence of First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni.
Museveni, who was escorted by his daughter Natasha Karugire, was sworn in before thousands of supporters, dignitaries and regional leaders in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija.
Janet’s absence immediately drew public attention and murmurs, amid growing concern over her health after weeks out of the public eye.
Reports indicate that Janet collapsed at State House last month before she was rushed to Mbuya Specialized Military Hospital in critical conditions, put on life supporting machines, and later flown to Germany for further treatment. She has not been seen publicly for more than a month.
But, during the swearing-in prayers at Kololo, Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Bishop of Ankole Anglican Diocese reassured the country that the First Lady was recovering steadily.
“We thank you God for the health and recovery of the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni,” Mwesigwa prayed.
Historically, Tuesday’s ceremony was not the first time Janet missed one of Museveni’s swearing-in events.
On January 29, 1986, when Museveni first took oath after the National Resistance Army seized power, Janet was absent because she and the couple’s children were living in Gothenburg, Sweden. The family had relocated there in 1983 from Nairobi, Kenya, during the bush war for safety.
She only returned to Uganda in May 1986, about four months after the NRA takeover of Kampala.
However, Janet had attended at least the last three presidential inauguration ceremonies, making her absence this year more conspicuous.
Museveni swearing-in
At exactly 11:50am, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance before handing Museveni the instruments of power, officially commencing the new term.
In his maiden speech after the swearing-in, Museveni pledged to intensify the fight against corruption and promote household wealth creation, especially among the youth.
“We are entering the Kisanja of no more sleep, the Kisanja of no corruption,” Museveni said.
The President said his new administration would focus on improving household incomes, job creation, service delivery and regional integration as Uganda enters what he described as a decisive phase of socio-economic transformation.
