Janet Museveni Makes First Public Appearance in Six Months

First Lady Janet Museveni has made her first public appearance in more than six months, joining President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in receiving international evangelist Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn at State House Entebbe. Janet Museveni has largely stayed out of public view in recent months, amid reports that she has been unwell, although the nature of her illness has never been officially disclosed.

Her appearance came as the First Family met Osborn, who is in Uganda at the invitation of Pastor Patience Rwabwogo ahead of her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop on August 23, 2026. The consecration ceremony will also coincide with the 20th anniversary celebrations of Covenant Nations Church, which Pastor Patience leads in Luzira.

During the meeting, Osborn and the Museveni family reflected on Uganda’s transformation, faith, leadership, and the longstanding spiritual relationship between the Osborn family and Uganda. Osborn described herself as a friend of Uganda and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to return to a country where her family has maintained close ties through Christian ministry.

She recalled her first visit to Uganda in 1985, when she travelled with her late mother and spent several weeks preparing for a major evangelistic crusade at Lugogo. Osborn said the Uganda she encountered at the time was struggling with the effects of years of conflict and instability, with poor infrastructure and widespread destruction in Kampala and other parts of the country.

She contrasted those conditions with what she described as significant progress over the past four decades, particularly in peace, education, health, and freedom of worship and expression. Osborn also reflected on the challenges that come with leadership, saying people involved in important work will inevitably face opposition and criticism.

She encouraged Pastor Patience to remain focused on her ministry, drawing from the biblical story of Nehemiah, who faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Quoting Nehemiah, she said: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”

Osborn said the message applies to both spiritual and secular leadership, urging leaders to remain committed to worthy missions despite opposition. She also spoke warmly about her family’s history in Uganda, recalling how she and her late mother worked with local pastors and churches while preparing for the Lugogo crusade.

Janet Museveni, in turn, recalled the visit of Osborn’s late mother to Uganda, describing it as a memorable spiritual experience for the Museveni family. She said Osborn’s mother prayed with the family and gave each of their children their first Bible, together with one of her books.

“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. At the back there was a message where she said, ‘If you want to meet God, repeat these words after me.’ I did, and it has never been the same since then,” Janet recalled.

The First Lady said the memories of Osborn’s mother remain 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 welcomed Pastor Patience’s forthcoming consecration, saying she was grateful to see her take on the episcopal role.

“Pastor Patience has a strong relationship with God. When we see Pastor Patience going to be consecrated a Bishop, we cannot thank God enough,” she said. Osborn is expected to participate in a series of Christian activities ahead of the August 23 consecration ceremony at Covenant Nations Church in Luzira, which will also mark the church’s 20th anniversary.