By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni as she marks her 77th birthday, describing her as a foundational pillar of their family and an enduring contributor to Uganda’s spiritual and political journey.
In a personal message shared on social media, Museveni addressed Ugandans and extended his appreciation to “Maama Janet” for her role both at home and on the national stage. Born on June 24, 1948, Janet Museveni serves not only as Uganda’s First Lady but also as the Minister of Education and Sports, a portfolio she has held since 2016.
“To all the Musevenis, the Basiita, the Bayoombo, all the Bazzukulu of Uganda and all other Ugandans, I greet you,” the Museveni’s message began, before announcing that the day marked Maama Janet’s 77th birthday. “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.”
Museveni reflected on her early sacrifices, especially during the five-year Bush War (1981–1986), when she single handedly raised their children as he led the National Resistance Army in the fight to overthrow the Obote regime, saying, “Maama has been the pillar of the family, especially between 1981 and 1986 when she was a sole parent to the young Musevenis, Diana being only six months in 1981,” he wrote.
Beyond the home, the NRM Chairman highlighted her role in social and humanitarian causes, pointing to her founding of the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), a non-governmental organisation that has assisted thousands of vulnerable children and orphans across the country for nearly four decades.
“In politics, she brought stable leadership in Ruhaama,” he added, referring to her tenure as the Member of Parliament for Ruhaama County in Ntungamo District between 2006 and 2016. She later transitioned into the Cabinet as Minister of Karamoja Affairs and eventually to her current role heading the Education and Sports docket.
While the message was laced with familial affection, including the President referring to himself as Omugurusi (the old man) and Ampa (grandfather), it also underscored Janet Museveni’s wider national footprint beyond State House.
Mrs. Museveni’s education legacy has been marked by efforts to rebuild the school system post-COVID-19, enforcement of patriotic values in education, and continued engagement with teacher welfare and curriculum reforms.
Born in Kajara County, Ntungamo District, Janet Museveni has been Uganda’s First Lady since 1986 and remains one of the longest-serving First Ladies in the region. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
