Kampala – State House official has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni from her position as Minister of Education and Sports, describing her as highly suitable to continue steering the sector.
Kefa Mafumo former Butiru County MP contestant & senior official at State House, said the First Lady remains the right person for the job, citing her long-standing commitment, experience, and strategic vision for Uganda’s education system.
“First Lady Janet Museveni is still suitable for the position of Minister of Education and Sports,” Mafumo stated. “Her dedication to improving access to quality education across the country, especially in underserved regions, is well documented.
”The remarks come in response to criticism from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which has challenged President Yoweri Museveni to drop his wife from the cabinet, citing alleged poor performance and persistent challenges in the education sector.
He further noted that First Lady emerges as true warrior against corruption, who Blocked Shs290 Billion suspicious budget insertion.
In a bold demonstration of commitment to transparency and prudent financial management, recently, the first lady, successfully blocked a controversial Shs290 billion allocation that was allegedly sneaked into the national budget through irregular channels.
The funds, requested by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) under President Moses Magogo for preparations towards AFCON 2027, were being pushed directly to Parliament bypassing the established budgetary procedures under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Kefa said Sources close to the budget process reveal that the move raised serious red flags, prompting the First Lady to intervene decisively.
It has been noted that the first lady convened a high-level meeting and issued clear guidance that all requests for additional funding to agencies receiving government subventions must follow the proper channel through the responsible ministry.
This decisive action has earned the First Lady praise as a true warrior against corruption.
Observers note that her intervention prevented what many described as an attempt to siphon huge sums of taxpayers’ money without proper scrutiny, accountability mechanisms, or value-for-money considerations.
"In the bustling corridors of Makerere University and other public institutions, tension had been rising like a gathering storm. Science teachers and lecturers, frustrated by delayed incentives, heavy workloads, and demands for better remuneration, threatened a nationwide strike that could have paralysed universities across Uganda. Students worried about lost semesters, parents feared for their children’s futures, and the education sector stood on the brink of disruption.But Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni, with her characteristic poise and deep commitment to Uganda’s future, stepped in decisively" Mafumo elaborated.
It should be noted that Upon learning of the brewing discontent, the First Lady immediately convened a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Education and Sports. She invited representatives of the science teachers’ associations, university vice chancellors, and senior government officials. Unlike previous standoffs, this was not a session of demands and counter-demands. Mama Janet, as she is fondly called, listened patiently to their grievances — the need for motivation to keep producing the scientists, engineers, and innovators Uganda desperately needs.With wisdom and empathy, she acknowledged their vital role: “Our science teachers are the foundation upon which we are building a knowledge-based economy. Your work shapes doctors who heal us, engineers who build our nation, and researchers who solve our problems.”True to her leadership style, Minister Museveni did not stop at words.
According to Mafumo, She fast-tracked the processing of enhanced science teacher allowances that had been promised in the national budget. Working closely with the Ministry of Finance, she ensured that back payments were released and a clear phased implementation plan for further improvements was put in place. She also announced new scholarship schemes for science teachers pursuing advanced studies and better laboratory equipment funding for universities.
Her personal touch made the difference. She visited affected universities, speaking directly to lecturers and demonstrating genuine care for their welfare. Through persistent dialogue and firm but compassionate negotiation, she turned anger into hope.
Within weeks, the threatened strikes fizzled out. Science teachers returned to their lecture halls and laboratories with renewed motivation, confident that their concerns had been heard at the highest level. University calendars were saved, students resumed their studies uninterrupted, and a wave of relief swept across the academic community.
Once again, Mafumo proved why she remains the steady hand guiding Uganda’s education sector — a leader who listens, acts, and delivers results for the nation’s most valuable asset: its teachers and its youth.
Under her watch, Uganda’s universities moved from the edge of chaos back to the path of progress.
The opposition party described the reappointment of Janet Museveni for a third consecutive term as “unjustified,” pointing to issues such as high school fees, unresolved teacher welfare concerns, and stagnating learning outcomes.“The ministry demands a competent, independent, and professional minister to guide the nation’s future generations,” said Robert Centenary, the FDC deputy president for the Western Region.
The party repeated its call for her replacement with what it termed a “competent, independent and professional minister.”However, Mafumo maintains that the First Lady has delivered tangible results during her tenure, including the expansion of Universal Primary and Secondary Education programmes, infrastructure development in schools, and initiatives aimed at promoting science and vocational education.
President Museveni last week unveiled a new cabinet of 83 ministers, retaining Janet Museveni at the helm of the Education and Sports Ministry.
The appointments have sparked debate, with the FDC also questioning the eligibility of four designated ministers — Adonia Ayebare (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Lawrence Muganga (Internal Affairs), Sanjay Tana (Trade), and Calvin Echodu — over dual citizenship concerns.
The opposition argues that these appointments may violate constitutional provisions and the recently assented Sovereignty and Protection Act, 2025.Despite the criticism, government sources say the President made the appointments based on merit, loyalty, and proven capacity to deliver national priorities.
Supporters of the First Lady argue that her role has brought high-level political attention and resources to the education sector, resulting in improved enrolment rates and several international partnerships in education development.
As the new cabinet begins its work, all eyes remain on the Education Ministry to see how it will address remaining challenges while building on existing gains under the continued leadership of Janet Kataaha Museveni.
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