President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo as the Acting Minister of Education and Sports, according to a State House press release issued on Thursday.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was made under Article 99(1) of the Constitution and comes in the absence of a substantive minister at the helm of the education docket.
In the brief statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, President Museveni designated Muyingo to oversee the ministry’s affairs until further notice.
The development follows the President’s recent revelation concerning the health of the substantive Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni. Speaking publicly, Museveni disclosed that his wife had been battling an undisclosed illness that prevented her from appearing before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee and participating in a scheduled swearing-in ceremony.
The President said the illness had raised serious concern within the family, describing it as a difficult period in which “Satan tried to take her,” but added that “God overtook” the situation. He expressed optimism about her recovery, noting that she is now responding well to treatment and showing promising signs of improvement.
The health update came as Janet Museveni marked her 78th birthday, an occasion that was celebrated amid growing public interest in her wellbeing and continued service in government.
Hon. Muyingo, who has long served in the education sector as the state minister for education is expected to ensure continuity in the management of education and sports programs while Janet Museveni recuperates.
Government officials have not indicated how long the acting appointment will remain in place, but the President’s latest remarks suggest confidence that the First Lady’s condition is steadily improving.
The appointment is likely to reassure stakeholders in the education sector as the ministry continues implementing key policies and programs during the temporary absence of its substantive minister.