President Yoweri Museveni announced on X, formerly Twitter, that First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni had contracted COVID-19. The President revealed that she began feeling unwell on Christmas Day.
In a detailed statement, President Museveni explained the sequence of events. Following a family lunch on Christmas Day, the First Lady experienced a “kukarakaatwa” (sandy feeling) in the throat. The initial Rapid Corona test was negative, but a subsequent PCR test sent to Mbarara returned positive. Despite feeling weak with occasional headaches, President Museveni’s tests on the 26th were negative.
As a precaution, the couple decided on self-isolation for the First Lady at Rwakyitura while the President continued with scheduled programs excluding those involving her. President Museveni highlighted his negative results despite close contact, raising questions about potential immunity from a previous COVID-19 infection.
President Museveni shared that he had met with Sudanese General Hamdan Daglo and planned further engagements, emphasizing the necessity of managing the situation. He reflected on his own experience with COVID-19 in June, stating that Maama Janet is now a “first-time corona warrior” and is doing well.
In the past, President Museveni revealed his own positive COVID-19 test, explaining that one of three tests returned positive. This was disclosed during a State of the Nation Address to Parliament, where he assured safety measures during his separate travel with the First Lady.
The source of the First Lady’s infection remains unclear, given the stringent COVID-19 testing protocols at State House. Notably, she was among the first Ugandans to be fully vaccinated against the virus.
The World Health Organization notes that COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, primarily spreading through close contact. Vaccines offer strong protection against severe illness, and while breakthrough cases may occur, symptoms are generally milder. The risk of severe illness is higher for older individuals and those with certain medical conditions.
