KAMPALA – Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has celebrated her 78th birthday amid an outpouring of tributes from family members, government officials, and supporters across the country.
Born on June 24, 1948, in Ntungamo District, Janet Museveni marked the occasion with children at the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) Masulita Children’s Village, reflecting her decades-long commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. She founded UWESO in 1986 to provide care and opportunities for orphaned and disadvantaged children.
In a heartfelt birthday message, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid tribute to his wife, recounting their shared journey from childhood acquaintances in Ntungamo to partners in family life and Uganda’s liberation struggle.
The President described their reunion on Christmas Day in 1972 outside Nairobi’s Inter-Continental Hotel as a “miraculous reconnection” that changed the course of his life. Although they had studied in the same area years earlier, Uganda’s political turmoil had separated them until that chance meeting.
“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,” President Museveni said.
The President also revealed that the First Lady survived a serious health challenge earlier this year.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated. God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” he said.
President Museveni praised his wife for her role in raising their family during difficult years, particularly during the liberation struggle when she lived in exile with their children while he was in the bush.
He also commended her contributions through UWESO, her involvement in National Resistance Movement politics in Ntungamo, and her religious and community service.
The couple has four children and fifteen grandchildren.
Among the family members who paid tribute was their son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described his mother as both a fighter and an inspiration.
“Happy birthday Maama Janet. I thank her for teaching me and my sisters the art of fighting. I have never seen a better fighter than her,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote on X.
Several leaders also joined in celebrating the First Lady’s life and service. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa praised her for her faith, leadership, and commitment to national development, describing her as a steadfast intercessor for Uganda.
Janet Museveni has served in various leadership positions, including as Member of Parliament, Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Minister of State for Public Service, and Minister of Education and Sports. Throughout her public life, she has been widely recognized for championing education, child welfare, women’s empowerment, and faith-based initiatives.
As she celebrated her 78th birthday, many Ugandans reflected on her enduring influence in public service, philanthropy, and national development over the past four decades.