First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni has celebrated her 78th birthday with a colorful sports gala and heartfelt tributes at Phillip Omondi Stadium in Kampala.
The event attracted government officials, youth leaders, beneficiaries of community programs, sports enthusiasts and supporters who gathered to honor her decades of public service.
The celebration featured football, lacrosse and American football matches, reflecting her long-standing association with education, youth empowerment and sports development in Uganda.
Among those in attendance were beneficiaries of the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), members of the Gen Z for Gen Museveni initiative and several leaders from different sectors.
Speakers at the event described Mrs. Museveni as a leader whose work has left a lasting impact on education, social welfare and community development across the country.
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang praised the First Lady for her commitment to national service and her efforts to improve the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
“We celebrate Maama because of her great stewardship and her commitment to solving the problems of Uganda,” Ogwang said.
He highlighted her role in supporting the development of educational infrastructure and improving learning conditions in schools.
Ogwang also commended her contribution to preparations for Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
He further noted that her previous service as Minister for Karamoja Affairs demonstrated courage and dedication during a period when the region faced major developmental and humanitarian challenges.
Brig. Charity Bainababo, the Director of Women’s Affairs in the UPDF, also paid tribute to the First Lady.
She credited Mrs. Museveni’s work through UWESO for transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families for several decades.
“Janet Museveni has impacted lives for decades, and today’s celebration is a testament to the lasting legacy she has created,” Bainababo said.
Although the First Lady was not physically present at the event, discussions about her health and recovery formed a significant part of the day’s proceedings.
Earlier, President Yoweri Museveni revealed that his wife had recently survived a serious health challenge.
In a birthday message shared publicly, the President disclosed that Mrs. Museveni fell critically ill on March 21, 2026.
He described the incident as a severe health crisis that required urgent medical intervention.
According to the President, her recovery was made possible through the efforts of medical professionals and what he described as divine intervention.
“Sitaane, three months ago, on the 21st of March, 2026, launched an attack on the life of Maama. However, Sitaane miscalculated,” Museveni said.
The President expressed gratitude that she survived the ordeal and continues to recover steadily.
“God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” he added.
President Museveni also reflected on the historical significance of March 21 within the National Resistance Movement.
He recalled that the same date marked an important military victory during the struggle against the forces of former President Idi Amin in 1979.
“The 21st of March is a good day for the Resistance. That is when we defeated the counter-attack of Idi Amin at Rugaando, 12 miles from Mbarara, in 1979,” he said.
The President further used the occasion to acknowledge the First Lady’s sacrifices during Uganda’s liberation struggle.
He praised her role in raising and caring for their children while living in exile between 1981 and 1986.
During that period, he was actively involved in the bush war that eventually brought the National Resistance Movement to power.
“Maama has done great things in the family, especially caring for the children during the 2nd phase of the Resistance between 1981 to 1986 when she was alone in exile and I was in the bush,” he said.
Gen Z for Gen Museveni National Coordinator Israel Kyalisiima described the First Lady as a source of inspiration for many young people.
He said her emphasis on education, service and personal discipline continues to resonate with Uganda’s youth.
“Many young people look up to Maama Janet because of her humility, service and commitment to transforming lives,” Kyalisiima said.
He added that the celebration was not simply about marking another birthday.
Instead, he said, it was an opportunity to recognize decades of leadership, dedication and service to the nation.
The event concluded with messages of appreciation from attendees who highlighted her contributions to education, sports and social welfare.
Many also called for continued investment in community programs that support vulnerable children, families and young people across Uganda.
As Janet Museveni marks her 78th birthday, supporters say her legacy continues to be reflected in the many lives touched through her work in education, community development and social transformation.
