Judge Who Never Went to Law School – The Life Of Former Minister Janat Mukwaya

Born in Buzzu village, Kiyoola parish, Nakisunga Sub county in Mukono district, the former Magistrate and Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon Janat Mukwaya studied political science and Social Administration at Makerere University, graduating with Honors.

She also holds a degree of Master of Science (MSc) in public policy and management from the University of London.

She is a proud wife and mother of 5 children.

Through her enviable career, Mukwaya worked as an Administrative Magistrate (Grade II) between 1975 and 1981 before she joined National Resistance Army (NRA) as a combatant.

She deservedly rose to the rank of Captain.

In 1986, after NRA captured power, Mukwaya was appointed Director of Women’s Affairs at NRM Secretariat where she served until 1990.

In 1994 she was appointed to serve as Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Office of the Vice President of Uganda serving in that capacity until 1995.

She was also a Constitutional Assembly delegate for Mukono South during which she contributed to the writing of the Ugandan Constitution.

Between 1995 and 1996, Mukwaya served as Minister of State for Luweero Triangle in the office of the President.

Between 1996 and 2001, she served as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

She became Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in 2001 and served in that position until 2005.

In 2005, she was transferred to the Agriculture Ministry where she was Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries until 2006.

Between June 2006 and February 2009, Janat Mukwaya served as Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry.

From February 16th 2009 until 27th May 2011, she served as Minister for General Duties in the office of the Prime Minister.

Through this time, she also served as elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Mukono South constituency in Mukono district from 1994 until her retirement in 2011.

Between 2012 and 2016, she served as member of Uganda Land Commission.

In June 2016, she was brought out of retirement when she was named Cabinet Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, a portfolio she held untill the recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Museveni.

On Friday 20th December 2019, Janat Mukwaya officially handed over the office of Minister of Gender to the newly appointed Minister Frank Tumwebaze at Ministry headquarters in Kampala.