President Museveni on Tuesday led the nation in celebrating the 77th birthday of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni with a heartfelt message honouring her as a mother, leader, and spiritual anchor.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Museveni expressed profound gratitude to God for his wife’s life, affectionately calling her “Ginga (Grandmother), Mummy (Mother), and Maama.”
“It is my pleasure to inform all of you that today, the 24th of June, is the 77th birthday of my dear wife, Ginga, Mummy, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the First Lady of Uganda,” he wrote.
“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’s message carried personal reflections and national appreciation, offering rare insight into their family life during the difficult years of Uganda’s armed struggle.
He recalled her role as the sole parent during the 1981–1986 liberation war, noting, “Maama has been the pillar of the family especially between 1981–1986 when she was a sole parent to the young Musevenis, Diana being only 6 months in 1981.”
Beyond family, Museveni praised her lasting contributions to Uganda’s development, particularly in the spiritual, social, and political spheres. He highlighted her founding of the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), a charitable organisation that has supported thousands of children across Uganda since the late 1980s.
“In politics, she brought stable leadership in Ruhaama,” he added, referring to her time as Member of Parliament for Ruhaama County.
The President signed off the message with a blessing and familial warmth: “Praised be the Lord for her life and contribution. Signed: Omugurusi (Old man), Yoweri K. Museveni, Ampa (Grandpa).”
Mrs. Janet Museveni, who has been First Lady since 1986, currently serves as Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports—a position she has held since 2016.
She is widely regarded for her advocacy in education, maternal health, and child welfare.
Ugandans, including senior government officials, religious leaders, and youth groups, flooded social media with birthday wishes, describing her as “a mother of the nation” and applauding her humility, grace, and steadfast service.
