The President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, has shared a heartfelt congratulatory message to his beloved wife, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, on her 78th birthday.
“Today, the 24th of June, the Managing Director of ‘the Museveni Incorporated,’ the Matriarch of the Museveni group, the Mother, the Grandmother, my God-given comrade-in-arms of nearly 51 years, my dear wife, Maama Janet Kainembabazi Kataaha Museveni, has turned 78 years of age.
Praised be the Lord who helped us navigate through so many challenges and granted us numerous blessings. I refer to her as the Managing Director because, while all of us are shareholders and Directors in the Museveni Incorporated, she is the Managing Director.
Her unique role in our family story emerged between 1981 and 1986, when we had to send her into exile with our young children: Muhoozi, Natasha, Patience, and Diana – Muhoozi being 6 years old and Diana 6 months.
While our family had been in exile before (1971-1979), I had been with them in Tanzania – coming and going. However, this time, she was alone with the children in Kenya and Sweden.
Although by then I was well-known and had many African friends (Samora Machel, Shamuyarira, Muammar Gaddafi, friends in the USA, Arap Moi, etc.), systems do not always work well. She had to bear all the burden until they relocated to Sweden, where the system was very friendly. I salute the Swedish for supporting my family between 1983 and 1986.
I also thank Ambassador Mirjam Blaak for making the arrangements. I thank God for giving me Maama Janet, who provided me with a family even as I wandered around as a freedom fighter.
In the socio-political areas of Uganda, God has used Maama to support orphans (through UWESO) and to provide corruption-free political leadership in the Ministry of Karamoja and the Ministry of Education, guided by patriotic ideals.
I also appreciate her tenure as the MP for Ruhaama. Furthermore, I am grateful for her role in supporting the youth. I thank God for bringing Maama into my life. Happy birthday (Ginga – Grandmother), and may you have at least another 24 happy birthdays to reach 100 years, if not more.” Gen. Museveni posted on his official X page.
Hon. Janet Kainembabazi Museveni Kataaha was born on June 24, 1948. She has been Uganda’s First Lady since 1986, married to President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, with whom she has four children. Since June 6, 2016, she has served as the Cabinet Minister of Education and Sports.
Previously, she served as the Minister for Karamoja Affairs from May 27, 2011, until June 6, 2016. She also represented Ruhaama County in Ntungamo District as an elected Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2016.
