Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, Enters Self-Isolation After Testing Positive for COVID-19

December 27, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting her to enter self-isolation at Rwakitura. President Museveni made the announcement in a statement on Thursday evening, revealing that the 75-year-old First Lady had shown symptoms after a family lunch on Christmas Day.

President Museveni explained that despite initially testing negative in a Rapid Corona test, a subsequent PCR test at Mbarara returned positive results. Janet Museveni experienced weakness, headaches, and a sandy feeling in the throat, leading the family to take precautionary measures.

“We did a Rapid Corona test, which was negative,” President Museveni stated. “However, we sent another sample to Mbarara for a PCR test, and it came back positive.”

Concerned about the potential spread of the virus within the First Family, President Museveni also took a test, which returned negative results. Speculating on his immunity, he wondered whether his previous infection with COVID-19 in May played a role in his resistance to the virus this time.

“What is of interest is how I remained negative in spite of being with Maama all these days—sharing the room, the air-conditioned car to Entebbe and back to Nakasero. Was it because I am an emponoka (survivor) of Corona of last May? Maama is now a first-time corona warrior. She is doing well,” President Museveni shared.

As a precautionary measure, Janet Museveni is now in self-isolation at one of the houses in Rwakitura, while President Museveni continues with scheduled activities. The President revealed that this decision led to the cancellation of certain engagements, including a function hosted by Minister Alice Kaboyo.

Despite the diligent efforts of the First Family to avoid contracting the virus over the last three years, the recent development underscores the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both President Museveni and First Lady Janet had consistently adhered to safety protocols, including wearing face masks, sanitizing hands, and maintaining social distancing during public functions.

In 2021, the First Couple received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the national vaccination campaign. The news of Janet Museveni’s positive test serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, even for those who have taken extensive precautions.