Inside Museveni’s 80th birthday celebrations
As early as 7am, NRM supporters had started thronging Kijaguzo catholic parish in Nakaseke district for the 80th birthday celebrations for President Museveni.
Others dignitaries also started snaking to the venue.
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At around mid-day, Museveni, together with the First Lady, Janet Museveni arrived at the venue, amidst cheers from the crowd.
They were welcomed by the Vice President, Speaker, Chief Justice, Prime Minister, Bishop Anthony Zziwa, NRM Vice chairperson Moses Kigongo and former Prime Minister Dr.Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi.
As Museveni stepped out of the vehicle, the crowd spotted something unusual about him- the shirt.
Museveni had donned a green shirt that many including those on social media commented about as he had on his special day, ditched the usual yellow and white shirts.
The chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt Rev. Dr. Bishop Anthony Zziwa was the main celebrant at Kijaguzo who prayed to God to protect Museveni but also enable him win all wars.
“In psalms 90:10, 80 years of age is referred to as a special milestone in life. We can say that the president is counted among those who are lucky to reach this feat. It is worthwhile to gather and thank God for what He has done for the president. Thank you for having chosen to hold this function at Kijaguzo parish,” Bishop Zziwa said.
Patience Rwabwogo, Museveni’s daughter also recited a prayer for him.
“Mzee is the ultimate original, real and genuine artefact. Even when he was, a young man, he pursued life of focus and seriousness. He is a visionary yet meticulously detailed. He is a serious man yet hilarious to everyone. He is a warrior yet peacemaker. These attributes make him an extraordinary man, father, grandfather and leader who has exhibited a fear of God not only through his words but also through his actions,” Mrs Rwabwogo said.
She said Museveni has preached the gospel of unity, forgiveness, development, reconciliation and justice.
Pastor Rwabwogo also thanked God for the life of the First Lady, Janet Museveni whom she described as a great companion to the president.
She prayed for more years for the couple.
The First Lady Janet Museveni too was not left out in thanking God for gifting him a loving husband.
“This special day that has been many years of making. This is a great testament to the goodness of God. Many decades ago, a young Museveni was a hunted man leading a guerrilla army. We thank God for not only bringing Uganda out of difficult times but making it prosper,” Mrs. Museveni said.
“We praise you Lord for you have blessed Yoweri and his leadership all these years marked by peace, stability, economic growth and social transformation of our people. We thank you for shining your light upon his life.”
Choice of the venue
According to the Minister for Luweero Triangle, Alice Kaboyo, Kijaguzo Parish was chosen to host the 80th birthday celebrations for a reason.
“This place is where some of the important visitors to NRA were always kept here but also whenever the president wanted to have a moment of reflection, he would come here."
The catholic parish also saw bloodshed in 1982 when government soldiers hunting NRA rebels raided the place and shot dead five worshipers.
During her speech, the First Lady mentioned Anna Marie Nakampi who played a key role in the liberation war.
“It was here that Mzee's mother, Esteri Kokundeka, sought refuge and was sheltered by Sister Nakampi. We thank God for using Sister Nakampi and other good Samaritans in those trying times,” she said.
When she was asked to speech, Sister Nakampi admitted that the catholic parish housed Museveni and his NRA rebels.
She also pointed to a eucalyptus tree forest where Museveni slept after overthrowing government.
“As soon as the war had ended in July, 1986, you erected your tent in that eucalyptus forest from where you moved to Ssemuto to thank them for supporting you. We thank the good Lord who gave you to us. Thank you for loving us from the bush war up to now. I remember you brought her( Esteri Kokundeka) and we stayed together during the war until it was no longer safe here and we took her to Kakonde,” Nakampi said.
In his speech, President Museveni said he was happy to be celebrating 80 years but applauded locals for supporting him during the NRA bush war.
“This celebration is not about Museveni because he didn’t reach all these milestones alone. We are really celebrating the struggle of the people of Uganda in which I happen to be active but the success was because of us all.”
To show his appreciation, Museveni donated shs50 million to Kijaguzo Catholic parish but also a bus to a local primary school.
Locals later wined and dined at the venue, while dignitaries were invited for a luncheon at the Presidential demonstration farm in Kawumu.