President Museveni’s Christmas: A Personal Encounter with COVID-19

In an unexpected turn of events during the festive season, President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, faced a health challenge that has become all too familiar in recent times. After a family lunch on Christmas day, Janet Kataaha began experiencing a throat sensation described as “kukarakaatwa” or a sandy feeling. Despite an initial negative Rapid Corona test, a subsequent PCR test from Mbarara confirmed that Janet Kataaha had contracted the virus.

President Museveni, recounting the experience, mentioned that Janet Kataaha exhibited weakness, occasional headaches, and the kukarakaatwa symptom. Acting swiftly, the President underwent a COVID-19 test on the 26th, which returned negative results in the afternoon.

In response to the positive diagnosis, the presidential couple made the decision for Janet Kataaha to self-isolate at their Rwakyitura residence while President Museveni continued with planned activities that didn’t involve Janet Kataaha. This adjustment meant missing scheduled events in Kyenkwanzi and Hon. Kaboyo’s function.

Despite close proximity and shared spaces, including a room and air-conditioned car trips, President Museveni remained negative. Speculation arose about whether his previous survival of a COVID-19 infection in May played a role in his resilience. President Museveni has since engaged in various activities, including meetings with General Daglo from the Sudan Civil war, and plans to meet with other guests and the Kiruhuura-Kazo Dairy Farmers on January 2nd.

The positive news is that Janet Kataaha, a first-time corona warrior, is reported to be doing well in her isolation.

This personal encounter with COVID-19 by the President and the First Lady underscores the ongoing challenges and uncertainties posed by the pandemic, even at the highest levels of leadership.