Religious leaders, local authorities and residents of Ntungamo District gathered at the District Hall for a special prayer breakfast to mark the 78th birthday of First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The early morning event, which started at about 8:00 a.m., brought together political leaders, clergy and members of the community for prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for the First Lady’s health and continued service to Uganda.
The service was led by South Ankole Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, alongside religious leaders from different denominations, who called for unity, faith and responsible leadership.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Ahimbisibwe urged the public to disregard misinformation regarding the First Lady’s health and rely on official communication.
"People have stated and written a lot about Mama. However, Mama is alive, Mama is in the country," Bishop Ahimbisibwe said.
The First Lady’s Principal Private Secretary, Seth Rukurungu, said the period of silence regarding her public engagements was a result of circumstances that required privacy, but expressed gratitude that she had overcome the challenges.
"We went silent; however, God has enabled us to go through it all and brought Mama back into the country last night," Rukurungu said.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe also reminded the congregation that leaders have a divine purpose and encouraged citizens to view positions of responsibility as opportunities for service rather than personal ambition.
"Did you know that there is someone eying your position? Their eyes are wide open. Everyone needs it. May God protect our President until he accomplishes his mission. May God protect Mama," he said.
Born in Ntungamo District, Janet Kataaha Museveni remains one of the region’s most prominent political figures. She served as Ruhaama County Member of Parliament from 2006 to 2016 and currently chairs the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Ntungamo District.
As Minister of Education and Sports, she has been credited by government and local leaders with supporting education reforms, including the expansion of seed secondary schools and efforts to improve access to education across the country.
Ntungamo District LC5 Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi praised the First Lady’s contribution to national development and wished her a long life and continued service.
"We wish Mama a quick recovery and that she returns to her ministry to serve the nation. I wish she could live more than 100 years so that we continue benefiting from her services," Muchunguzi said.
Former Ntungamo Woman Member of Parliament Josyline Baata Kamateneti credited Janet Museveni with promoting unity and supporting improved service delivery in the district.
"Since she became chairperson of NRM, conflicts have been resolved, and she has helped our education sector, especially in Ntungamo District, to improve," Kamateneti said.
Kajara County Member of Parliament James Hunter Tukahirwa described the First Lady as a unifying figure within the ruling party and the wider Ntungamo community.
"As NRM chairperson, she is a uniting factor, and praying for her today was a good thing because she is a unifying factor," Tukahirwa said.
The prayer breakfast formed part of local celebrations honouring Janet Museveni’s birthday and her contribution to public service, education and community development.