national 24 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni pens emotional tribute to Janet at 78, reveals recent health battle
President Yoweri Museveni has commemorated his wife, First Lady Janet Museveni's 78th birthday with a heartfelt tribute, recounting a recent life-threatening health scare and the "miraculous re-connection" that led to their enduring union. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-a-miraculous-re-connection-museveni-pens-emotional-tribute-to-janet-at-78-5507404
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni shared a touching tribute to First Lady Janet Museveni as she celebrated her 78th birthday on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. In a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, Museveni expressed profound gratitude to God for safeguarding his wife through numerous life challenges, from childhood orphanhood to periods of political exile.
He revealed that just three months prior, on March 21, 2026, Janet Museveni faced a grave health crisis. “God, using good doctors, saved Maama’s life and she is now recovering well,” President Museveni stated, interpreting the date as a divine victory, echoing a historical triumph against Idi Amin’s forces in 1979.
Reflecting on their journey, the 81-year-old President recalled their fateful “miraculous re-connection” on Christmas Day in 1972. Although they were childhood acquaintances from Ntungamo and had attended the same primary school, Uganda’s turbulent political landscape had separated them. Their reunion in Nairobi, outside the Inter-Continental Hotel, profoundly impacted Museveni’s personal life, enabling him to build a family during his risky exile and resistance activities.
The union has since flourished, blessed with four children and 15 grandchildren. Museveni lauded his wife, affectionately known as “Maama,” for her strength and resilience, particularly her role in raising their young family alone in exile during the intense liberation struggle between 1981 and 1986.
He also commended her extensive public service, leadership in philanthropic efforts like the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), and her unwavering faith and contributions to the National Resistance Movement. Looking forward, Museveni expressed a wish for them to reach 100 years and witness the realization of the East African Federation, which he believes is crucial for the continent’s future protection against domination.