Nakasongola, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, as a pillar of resilience and selfless service to Uganda, describing her as a “magnificent single parent” and a leader whose integrity has inspired generations.
Speaking at her 77th birthday celebrations held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Migyera UWESO Secondary School in Nakasongola District, the President lauded Maama Janet’s decades-long contribution to Uganda’s social transformation and her steadfast faith through seasons of struggle and triumph.
The event began with the commissioning of a new classroom block and a multipurpose hall at the school, jointly constructed by UWESO and development partners. President Museveni and Maama Janet later planted a commemorative tree to mark the milestone.
The Thanksgiving celebration, organized by the Uganda Youth Forum, was attended by government officials, spiritual leaders, family, and hundreds of youth. Pastor Patience Rwabwogo led prayers, while Pastor Laban Jjumba delivered a sermon on integrity and servant leadership.
Reflecting on their years in exile and the bush war, Museveni described Maama Janet as a formidable partner who kept their young family together when he was fighting. “From 1981 to 1986, she was alone with the children in Nairobi and Sweden. I thank her for being a magnificent single parent,” he said.
The President credited Maama Janet’s tenure at the Ministry of Education with stabilizing the sector and improving Uganda’s sports record, humorously noting that “although she can’t run 100 meters, her ministry has produced more medals than ever before.”
Mr Museveni also endorsed her new anti-corruption campaign, describing it as “the war that must be fought,” likening it to the country’s historic battle against HIV/AIDS. “I now support her war, which she declared on her 77th birthday, on corruption. We just need warriors in the right place,” he noted.
On her part, Maama Janet thanked God for a life she described as shaped by grace despite early tragedies, including losing her father as a child. “I must begin by thanking God for His amazing love and faithfulness to me all my life,” she said.
She challenged Ugandans to reject dishonesty and embrace integrity, warning that ill-gotten wealth “will prove to be foolishness in the end.” “Just like we said NO to HIV/AIDS, we must say NO to corruption. We will not just fight it; we will stop it in its tracks with God’s help,” she declared.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa paid tribute to Maama Janet as a national pillar of prayer and inspiration. “You have inspired so many people in this country, and we thank you for the ‘roosters’ you have raised and the countless sons and daughters you have mentored,” he said.
Maama’s longtime friend, Mrs. Sheba Rukikaire, praised the First Lady for choosing national service over personal comfort, highlighting her founding of UWESO, the Uganda Youth Forum, and the Organization of African First Ladies.
“You knew what our Lord Jesus needed you to do, and you did it,” she said.
The function drew Ministers, MPs, religious leaders, UWESO officials, and community representatives who pledged to rally behind the First Lady’s new mission against corruption.
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