In brief: Museveni exercises with Janet after Covid recovery; new EC appointments

President Museveni renewed the contract of Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, retaining him as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) for another term.

In a January 5 letter sent to the Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, President Museveni forwarded Byabakama’s name to the presidential appointment committee for vetting.

The president also reappointed Hajjati Aisha Lubega as the deputy chairperson and Stephen Tashobya as a commissioner.

New appointments were also made, with four commissioners joining the Electoral Commission. These commissioners include Makerere University lecturer Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, former Nansana Municipality MP in the ninth and 10th parliaments Robert Kasule Ssebunya, former Kyoga County MP Anthony Akol and Pamela Etonu Okudi, the former acting head of administration of the Electoral Commission.

The appointed commissioners and those retained will present their CVs to Parliament for vetting and confirmation.

Janet Museveni reunites with President

President Yoweri Museveni and his wife, Janet Kataaha, met again following her recovery from Covid-19.

"I took Maama Janet for a walk at our home in Rwakitura before we left for Kampala," Museveni tweeted Thursday afternoon, January 11. "Even after she defeated Corona, it is good for her to take walks, especially uphill, which boosts oxygen circulation in the body."

President Museveni announced that Uganda's First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, 75, had tested positive for COVID-19 days after Christmas celebrations.