President Yoweri Museveni today appointed Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo as acting minister of education and sports and yesterday appointed Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo as acting minister of foreign affairs, in a move aimed at ensuring continuity in the running of two key government ministries. The appointments come amid vacancies and delays in the approval of substantive ministers.

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, as acting minister of education and sports.

The appointment follows the prolonged absence of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who was reappointed Minister of Education and Sports during the recent Cabinet reshuffle but has not resumed active duties.

According to a statement issued by the presidency, the appointment was made under Article 99(1) of the Constitution, which empowers the president to assign ministerial responsibilities.

The development comes days after President Museveni revealed that the First Lady had battled a serious illness after falling critically ill in March.

In a message marking her 78th birthday, the president said she had since recovered, attributing her healing to God's grace.

Mama Janet Kataha's absence from the ministerial swearing-in ceremony and Parliament's vetting process had fueled public speculation about her health over the past several months.

Dr. Muyingo, who has served as state minister for higher education for years, is expected to oversee the ministry as the government continues implementing education sector reforms and policies affecting schools, universities, and sports administration.

Meanwhile, President Museveni also yesterday appointed State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of regional affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, as acting minister of foreign affairs.

Kasolo assumes the role following a vacancy created after Parliament declined to approve some ministerial nominees during the recent vetting exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has remained without a substantive political head after concerns emerged regarding the citizenship status of several nominees presented for ministerial positions.

Under Uganda's Constitution and the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, holders of Cabinet and certain ministerial offices are required to possess exclusive Ugandan citizenship.

Among those affected were Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, who had been nominated as minister of foreign affairs; Calvin Echodu, nominated as state minister for international affairs; and Dr. Lawrence Muganga, who had been nominated as state minister for internal affairs.

Government officials say the temporary appointments are intended to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and effective leadership within the affected ministries as the process of filling substantive positions continues.

For the education ministry, attention is likely to remain focused on the recovery and eventual return of Janet Museveni, who has served as minister of education and sports since 2016.