A fresh media controversy has emerged in Uganda after political blogger and Patriotic League Uganda (PLU) supporter Mwesigye Frank criticised the Daily Monitor over its reporting on the absence of Janet Museveni from recent public engagements.
In an X statement, Frank accused the publication of lowering journalistic standards through what he described as a “disrespectful” headline that questioned the First Lady’s whereabouts.
The Daily Monitor had published a story under the headline “Where is Janet?”, highlighting her absence from ministerial vetting and recent state functions.
“Daily Monitor, this headline is unnecessarily disrespectful. Mama Janet Museveni is not a missing person,” Frank said. “She is someone’s wife, someone’s mother, and a senior public servant. If there are questions about her official duties, ask them directly and professionally.”
The criticism comes amid growing public attention over Museveni’s absence from key national events, including the swearing-in ceremony of Yoweri Museveni on May 12, where she did not appear.
She also missed parliamentary vetting for ministerial nominees, raising uncertainty about her participation in the ongoing cabinet formation process.
Frank argued that while the public has a right to accountability, the framing of such concerns should remain professional and focused on governance rather than personalising the issue.
“‘Where is Janet?’ sounds more like gossip than journalism,” he said. “The public’s concern should be whether official duties are being fulfilled, not turning a senior government official into the subject of a tabloid-style headline.”
His remarks reflect a broader debate about media ethics and tone, particularly when reporting on high-ranking public figures.
Supporters of the Daily Monitor’s approach, however, maintain that the headline reflects legitimate public interest, given Museveni’s role in government and her absence from official duties.
The issue has also drawn attention to the lack of formal communication from State House regarding Museveni’s status, which has contributed to speculation in both traditional and social media spaces.
As Uganda prepares for the swearing-in of ministers, uncertainty remains over whether the First Lady will take her oath of office or whether further clarification will be provided by the government.