The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has received the prestigious International Women Icon Award 2025 from Binary University Malaysia.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at State House Entebbe.
President Museveni congratulated the First Lady, describing the recognition as well deserved and praising Binary University for appreciating her contributions from afar.
He recalled her central role during the bush war years, when she single-handedly raised their children while he was away.
“She took all the burden and all the pressure, and she did it very well. I salute her for supporting me and taking care of the children when I was away,” he said.
President Museveni further described her as a gifted homemaker, a philanthropist, and a leader who embraces principled politics.
He commended her for founding UWESO and other initiatives that have supported vulnerable children and empowered communities.
He also applauded her resilience in accepting to serve in Karamoja, where she contributed to the region’s socio-economic transformation.
The President noted that her strong prayer life has influenced their family, joking that he now prays daily “under her command.”
He attributed part of Uganda’s recent successes in sports to the prayers and dedication of her team at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The International Women Icon Award was presented by Dr. Rohini Devi, Deputy Vice Chancellor and founding Director of the Centre for Women Leadership at Binary University.
Dr. Rohini said the award honours the First Lady’s contributions to girls’ education, women empowerment, child welfare, and community development.
She praised her decades of service, recalling the challenges she faced during exile and her commitment to supporting orphans, war-affected families, and children living with HIV through UWESO.
Receiving the award, the First Lady expressed gratitude and humility, thanking Binary University and its founder, Professor Joseph Adaikalam, for recognising her work.
She thanked God for guiding her through difficult moments, including her years in exile and her later work supporting children and women.
“This award is simply a testament to the goodness of the Lord in my life as He alone enabled and empowered me to serve,” she said.
She added that the hardships she witnessed during the early days of HIV/AIDS inspired her to create UWESO to provide care and hope to affected families.
Janet also reflected on her work supporting rural women, empowering young people, and improving livelihoods in Karamoja during her time as minister.
She encouraged Uganda’s youth to be inspired by positive leadership and to contribute to building the nation.
“May this award inspire our young population to lay their own brick on this building called Uganda,” she said.
The Minister of State for Higher Education, JC Muyingo, delivered remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Education, praising the First Lady’s visionary leadership and its impact on strengthening institutions and expanding opportunities for learners across the country.
Professor Adaikalam, founder and Chancellor of Binary University, said the award is the highest honour the institution bestows, given to only one person globally each year.
He commended the First Lady’s compassion and dedication, and also acknowledged President Museveni’s commitment to transforming Uganda through productivity, industrial growth, and economic stability.
Binary University focuses on entrepreneurship and industry-oriented education, producing graduates who are both academically competent and ready for the labour market.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, representatives from Binary University, and other invited guests.