Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni as she marks her 77th birthday, describing her as the pillar of the Museveni family and a national asset in Uganda’s political and social transformation.
In a message shared on his official X platform (formerly Twitter) on June 24, Mr Museveni celebrated Maama Janet for her strength, faith, and service to both family and country.
“To all the Musevenis, the Basiita, the Bayoombo, all the Bazzukulu of Uganda and all the other Ugandans, I greet you,” the President started. “It is my pleasure to inform all of you that today, the 24th of June, is the 77th birthday of my dear wife, Ginga (grandmother), Mummy (Mother), Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni,” he added.
Mr Museveni praised the First Lady for being the emotional and spiritual foundation of their family, especially during the challenging bush war years between 1981–1986, when she was raising their young children alone.
“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,” he wrote.
The President also acknowledged the First Lady’s leadership and charitable contributions, noting her founding of the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), which has cared for vulnerable children for decades.
“She has made her contribution to the spiritual, social, economic, and political lives of Ugandans… In politics, she brought stable leadership in Ruhaama,” Museveni said.
“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.”
Signed off simply as Omugurusi (Old Man), Ampa (Grandpa), Jajja’s birthday message gave Ugandans a rare glimpse into the private and emotional world of the country’s First Family.
About Maama Janet Museveni
Janet Kataaha Kainembabazi Museveni is Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports. Born on June 24, 1948, she rose to national prominence during the NRA liberation struggle as the caretaker of the Museveni family while her husband was in the Bush War (1981–1986).
Maama Janet is the founder of the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), an NGO dedicated to supporting war-affected children and orphans. A devout Christian, she has also played a central role in spiritual and moral advocacy in Uganda.
In politics, she served as Member of Parliament for Ruhaama County from 2006 to 2016, and has since remained a key figure in government.
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