Museveni Pays Tribute to Sweden for Hosting His Family During Bush War

President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to Sweden for hosting his family during the bush war struggle in the 1980s. In statement released on his wife Maama Janet Kainembabazi Kataaha Museveni's 76th birthday, the Ugandan leader thanked Sweden for their support during a difficult time.

During the years 1983 to 1986, Maama Janet was forced to go into exile with their young children; Muhoozi, Natasha, Patience and Diana, while President Museveni continued his fight for freedom in Uganda. The family initially resided in Kenya before relocating to Sweden, where they found a welcoming and supportive system.

"I salute the Swedish for supporting my family during a challenging time," President Museveni expressed in his statement. "I thank Ambassador Mirjam Blaak for making the arrangements that allowed my family to find solace and safety in Sweden."

President Museveni also praised his wife for her role as the Managing Director of "the Museveni Incorporated", highlighting her resilience and strength during their time apart. He described her as his God-given comrade-in-arms and acknowledged the sacrifices she made for their family during those tumultuous years.

As Maama Janet celebrates her 76th birthday, President Museveni expressed his gratitude to the Lord for guiding them through challenges and providing them with blessings. The couple, who have been together for nearly 51 years, reflected on the trials they faced during the bush war struggle and the support they received from the Swedish government.

Below is the President’s full statement 

Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. 

Greetings. Good news. 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. 

Praised be the Lord who helped us to navigate through so many challenges and gave us so many blessings. I refer to her as the Managing Director, because while all of us are shareholders and Directors in the Museveni Incorporated, she is the Managing Director.

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. While our family had been in exile before (1971-1979), I had been with them in Tanzania-coming and going. 

However, this time, she was with the children alone in Kenya and Sweden. Although by this time, I was well-known and I had many African friends (SamoraMachel, Shamuyarira, Mwammar Gaddaffi, 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. 

I salute the Swedish for supporting my family between 1983 and 1986. I salute Ambassador Mirjam Blaak for making the arrangements. I thank God who gave me Maama Janet to give me a family even as I wandered around as a freedom fighter.

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, not to forget the time she was MP for Ruhaama. I also thank God for her role with the youth.

I thank God for bringing Maama in my life. Happy birthday (Ginga- Grandmother) and, at least, another 24 happy birthdays to clock 100 years, if not more.
 
Yoweri K. Museveni
Omugurusi (the Old man),
(Kassim-guerrilla name).