President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid a heartfelt tribute to First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni as she celebrates her 78th birthday, reflecting on their remarkable journey together and thanking God for preserving her life through decades of personal and national challenges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 24, President Museveni described his wife’s life as a testament to God’s grace, recalling how she overcame the hardships of losing her father, Mzee Edward Kataaha, in 1955 and went on to become a pillar of strength for her family and the nation.
The President recounted their unexpected reunion on Christmas Day in 1972 outside Nairobi’s Inter-Continental Hotel, describing it as a “miraculous re-connection” that changed the course of his life. Although both hailed from Ntungamo District and had studied at Kyamate School together in 1958, they had lost contact amid Uganda’s turbulent political history.
At the time, Museveni was living in exile and actively involved in efforts to overthrow the regime of Idi Amin. He said the chance encounter in Nairobi rekindled their relationship and eventually led to the formation of their family.
“That accidental and miraculous re-connection enabled me to have a family even when I was still in the risky life of exile and the Resistance,” Museveni said.
The President noted that their union has been blessed with four children and fifteen grandchildren, adding humorously that he is now looking forward to welcoming great-grandchildren.
Museveni also revealed that the First Lady survived a serious health scare on March 21, 2026, but credited God and medical professionals for saving her life. He said she is recovering well and regaining her strength.
Reflecting on her contributions over the years, the President praised Janet Museveni for her resilience during the National Resistance struggle, particularly between 1981 and 1986 when she cared for their children while living in exile as he fought in the bush.
He also commended her philanthropic work through the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), her contributions to National Resistance Movement (NRM) politics in Ntungamo District, and her commitment to religious and community service.
“Maama has done great things in the family and for the country. She has been a great philanthropist and a committed servant of God and the people,” he said.
As the First Lady marked her 78th birthday, President Museveni expressed his desire for both of them to live to 100 years, saying he hopes they will witness the realization of the East African Federation, which he described as vital for the region’s future prosperity and security.
The President concluded by thanking God for Janet Museveni’s life and wishing her continued health, strength, and blessings in the years ahead.
