President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni marked his 82nd birthday on Tuesday with an ecumenical prayer service at the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kyambogo, Kampala.
The gathering brought together religious leaders from different denominations, NRA liberation war veterans, children and families of fallen combatants and members of the public.
The event was organised around the theme “Spiritual Revival of the Fallen Warriors”, linking the President’s birthday celebrations with remembrance of people who died during Uganda’s liberation struggle.
The Office of the National Chairman had announced that the prayers would coincide with Museveni’s September 15 birthday and would honour both fallen liberation fighters and surviving veterans.
At the Kyambogo event, hymns, revolutionary songs and ululations marked the gathering as participants prayed for the President and commemorated the fallen fighters.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja represented President Museveni at the event.
The event followed an announcement by Hajjat Hadijjah Namyalo, manager of the Office of the National Chairman, who said the ceremony was intended to bring together religious leaders, surviving fighters and families of those who died during the liberation struggle.
The Office of the National Chairman also used the occasion to highlight the experiences of surviving veterans of the 1981–1986 National Resistance Army struggle.
Among those recognised were former NRA commanders and fighters whose military careers continued after the 1986 change of government.
Museveni was born on September 15, 1944, making him 82 years old on Tuesday.
The birthday prayers were part of activities organised around the President’s birthday, with the NRM using the occasion to commemorate the history and sacrifices associated with its liberation struggle.
