President Museveni Commends Former PM Mbabazi on 50th Marriage Anniversary

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi and his wife, Mrs. Jacqueline Mbabazi, for their significant contributions towards reorienting Uganda, which had lost its direction before the National Resistance Movement government came into power.

“I congratulate Rt. Hon. Mbabazi and Jacqueline; first and foremost, for being with us in the struggle to reorient Uganda from the wrong direction to the correct one,” he stated.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, made these remarks on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, as Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and Mrs. Jacqueline celebrated their 50th marriage anniversary at Serena Hotel in Kampala.

President Museveni also praised the couple for successfully raising a family despite the instability of the resistance struggle and for staying together for 50 years.

“When you are a freedom fighter, you are more than a priest because you are committed, but you are committed to something dangerous and disruptive, so we must praise God to see that we, the freedom fighters, were also able to have families,” he added.

“Those of us who did not perish managed to build families in addition to the intense fighting. Therefore, I want to congratulate Rt. Hon. Mbabazi and Jacqueline for building a family, having children, and now grandchildren.”

President Museveni and his wife presented Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and his wife with 20 Friesian cows as a gift for achieving this milestone.

Moreover, President Museveni recounted how he met Rt. Hon. Mbabazi during the political struggle in the 1970s and how he assisted in rebuilding his elite network, disrupted due to mistakes made by their allies in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

 

“In 1974, while in Nairobi, there was a young man who was not highly political, but he was with us at Ntare. This young man was called Kazhungu, and he informed me about Amama Mbabazi, who was active in politics during his university days at Makerere. He also mentioned Kahinda Otafiire,” the President recalled.

“After some time, I met Kazhungu again, who informed me that he had met them, and they had agreed to come and talk to me. He brought Mbabazi first, and that is how we connected with the group of Mbabazi and Otafiire. They were able to revive what Dr. Rugunda was advocating. They were here all the time from 1974 until we captured Kampala, and that’s why we must commend them because they were very vulnerable, yet they were able to operate. I want to thank these comrades Amama Mbabazi and Kahinda Otafiire for helping us revive the elite part of our network, which had been disrupted by the misguided plans of our partners, the UPC. I also want to thank Jacqueline for her steadfastness; whether she agreed or not, she never let us down or betrayed us,” he continued.

President Museveni also disclosed that Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire aided in recruiting part of the original 28 fighters of FRONASA who were trained in Mozambique.

“You cannot speak about Mbabazi without mentioning Uganda and these comrades like the Rugundas, and even those who perished represent the line of saving Uganda. I salute these comrades for adhering to the four core principles of the NRM, and that’s why Uganda has progressed. I urge the younger generation to uphold and consolidate these principles,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, President Museveni assured Rt. Hon. Mbabazi that despite some differences they have had in the past, he acknowledges the contributions Mbabazi made towards the country’s transformation.

“Yes, we may have disagreed, but I cannot overlook the contributions you made in the past or those you will make in the future. Even with Kategaya, we had differences at one point, but later, I inquired if he still supported East African Integration. He affirmed, and I appointed him as the Minister of East African Community Affairs. I am not troubled by differences because I am confident in what I am doing. What matters is what Africa needs,” he assured.

Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi expressed that his relationship with Mrs. Jacqueline began during a challenging time of struggle in 1974, and their union was not just a marriage contract but a pact of survival and resistance.

“A young man deeply involved in the armed struggle against the dictator Idi Amin found something worth fighting for, something beyond the immediate call of duty called love. In those dark days, many of my comrades, including Ruhakana Rugunda and Tumusiime Mutebile, were forced into exile, while I remained behind, where every day could have been my last. In the face of such adversity, a decision to leave behind a legacy was made.

It was during this uncertainty and chaos that I met Jacqueline,” Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi recounted.

“In her, I found a life companion, someone who could bear the burdens of our struggle and nurture a family. It was her unwavering strength and indomitable spirit that drew me to her, and together, we embarked on a journey, a journey that has weathered storms.”

Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support and unwavering solidarity.

“To Mr. President, your support has been invaluable, standing as a testament to the spirit of unity and solidarity that defines our nation,” he remarked.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda congratulated Rt. Hon. Mbabazi and his wife for reaching this milestone and thanked them for being dependable and reliable friends.

“I also want to thank President Museveni for recognizing the strengths of Ndugu Amama. You may recall that Ndugu Amama was once Attorney General, a role he executed excellently, but he also held two or three other Ministries, earning the nickname ‘Super Minister.’ I believe, Ndugu Amama, this was indeed a recognition of your capacity and ability to perform well in the responsibilities entrusted to you,” Dr. Rugunda stated.

“I am pleased that Ndugu Amama is now assuming responsibilities, especially on the African and global stage on behalf of our country, once again delegated by President Museveni, who is well aware of his capacity and ability to effectively address those issues.”

Mrs. Jacqueline Mbabazi attributed their 50 years of marriage to God’s grace.

“This day is a significant achievement, and we owe it to God. I also want to thank all of you, our friends, family, and the Church, who have supported us throughout this journey. It has not always been easy, but most of the time, it has been enjoyable. I thank you, Amama, for choosing to spend 50 years with me despite all my imperfections,” she concluded.