President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to his wife, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, as she celebrates her 77th birthday.
In a message addressed to all Ugandans, including the Basiita clan, the Bayoombo, the Bazzukulu and citizens at large, President Museveni described Maama Janet as “Ginga (grandmother), Mummy (mother),” and a strong pillar in the Museveni family and Uganda as a nation.
“It is my pleasure to inform all of you that today, the 24th of June, is the 77th birthday of my dear wife… Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the First Lady of Uganda. On behalf of the many, I congratulate her and praise the Almighty God for giving her a long life and pray to the Almighty to give her many more years,” the President said.
Reflecting on the critical years between 1981 and 1986, President Museveni noted that Maama Janet served as a sole parent to their young children while he was engaged in the protracted liberation struggle.
“Diana was only six months old in 1981. Maama has been the pillar of the family, raising the young Musevenis while I was away in the bush,” he stated.
Beyond her role as a mother and family matriarch, Museveni praised the First Lady’s contributions to Uganda’s development, highlighting her role in establishing the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), a non-governmental organisation supporting orphans across the country.
“In politics, she brought stable leadership to Ruhaama County. Spiritually, socially, and economically, she has contributed to the transformation of Ugandan society,” he added.
President Museveni concluded his message by invoking gratitude to God for Janet Museveni’s life and contributions: “Praised be the Lord for her life and contribution.”