Uganda: Baryamureeba Urges Museveni to Appoint Daughter Natasha As Education Minister

What the report says

Former Makerere University vice chancellor and former presidential candidate Venancius Baryamureeba has urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to consider appointing his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, as education minister. The comments, reported by Nile Post and distributed by AllAfrica, were made in a post on X and come as First Lady Janet Museveni remains away from public duties after falling ill in March 2026.

According to the report, Janet Museveni has served as Minister of Education and Sports since 2016, but has not returned to public life or been sworn in for another term. In her absence, State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo has been acting in the role. Museveni has previously said she suffered a serious medical episode, and Janet later thanked Ugandans for their prayers in a public message in late June.

Baryamureeba argued that a transition to Natasha would allow continuity in the ministry. He said Natasha has experience from accompanying the president on campaign trails and interacting with communities, and he suggested she would have the standing to work with senior government offices on funding and policy support. The report notes, however, that Natasha has not publicly expressed interest in the post and there is no indication that State House is considering a replacement. The suggestion highlights ongoing attention to succession and staffing in one of Uganda’s key social ministries.