Ugandan First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Kainembabazi Museveni turned 75 on June 24. Her husband, President Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, has revealed Janet’s special name and how she helped the family when he was an absentee father.
Born to a Gombolola Chief in Bwongyera, Kajara – Ntungamo, in 1948, Janet Museveni married Museveni about five decades ago.
In the early years of their marriage, Museveni was engaged in political and military struggles. Janet would live in exile with the children as her husband led a war against the Milton Obote II regime.
Museveni has admitted that for over a decade, largely between 1974 and 1986, he was an ‘absentee husband’ and father. He also saluted his wife for supporting the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war.
“This is a lady who, for 12 years (1974 – 1986), helped a frequently absentee husband, to raise a wonderful family that is at present comprised of very responsible parents and wonderful grand- children,” said Museveni as Janet celebrated her 75thbirthday.
“The beneficiary absentee husband of 1974-1986, is yours truly, Yoweri Museveni, member of Fronasa and the NRA. I praise the Lord God for protecting her and prospering her. While in Sweden, 1983-1986, she was also an active member of the NRM branch there.
“The Ugandans know what she has been contributing to the country since 1986. I praise the Lord God for her life.”
Museveni then revealed Janet Museveni’s special name. While the President likes to refer to the First Lady as Maama, their grandchildren refer to Jajja Janet as ‘Ginga.’ They also refer to Museveni, their grandfather as ‘Ampa.’
