June 24, 2024, marks a special day, as Janet Kainembabazi Kataaha Museveni, wife of President Yoweri Museveni, celebrates her 76th birthday. President Museveni’s wrote a heartfelt message for his wife that was shared on his X-platform.
“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 76 years of age,” President Museveni begins his message.
The President’s message is a mix of personal affection and public acknowledgment of Janet’s contributions. “Praised be the Lord who helped us to navigate through so many challenges and gave us so many blessings,” he continues.
Recounting their early years, President Museveni thanks Janet’s crucial role during a difficult period. Between 1981 and 1986, during the Ugandan Bush War, Janet and their young children were sent into exile.
“Her unique role in our family story came out 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 and Diana 6 months,” he recalls. This separation was challenging as Janet was in Kenya and Sweden with their children, while President Museveni was engaged in the liberation struggle.
Despite the distance, Janet managed the family’s affairs. “Although by this time, I was well-known and I had many African friends (Samora Machel, Shamuyarira, Mwammar Gaddafi, friends in the USA, Arap Moi, etc.), systems do not always work well. She had to carry all the burden until they relocated to Sweden where the system was very friendly,” he explains.
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President Museveni expresses his gratitude to the Swedish government for their support during this difficult time and to Ambassador Mirjam Blaak for facilitating their stay in Sweden.
Janet’s role extended beyond family; she has been an instrumental figure in Uganda’s social-political sphere. “In the social-political areas of Uganda, God has used Maama to support the orphans (UWESO) and to give corruption-free political leadership in the Ministry of Karamoja and the Ministry of Education, guided by the ideas of patriotism,” President Museveni notes.
The President also acknowledged Janet’s dedication to the youth, pointing at her continuous efforts to inspire and support young Ugandans.
In concluding his message, President Museveni offers a heartfelt birthday wish: “I thank God for bringing Maama into my life. Happy birthday (Ginga – Grandmother) and, at least, another 24 happy birthdays to clock 100 years, if not more.”
