By Jumah Kakomo
The Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has called on women and Ugandans at large to reflect on the country’s past and recognize the progress made since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986.
Mrs. Museveni made the remarks on Thursday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during the launch of the “All Women for Museveni; Endorse Museveni 100%” campaign, an initiative spearheaded by the National Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, Ms. Adrine Kibusigye. In her address, the First Lady emphasized the importance of remembering Uganda’s history in order to appreciate the country’s current stability and development. She thanked Ugandans for what she described as their refusal to forget the circumstances from which the country emerged under the NRM government, which she attributed to divine guidance.
Drawing from biblical references, Mrs. Museveni compared Uganda’s journey to that of the children of Israel, cautioning against forgetting past hardships after attaining stability and prosperity. She noted that such remembrance helps sustain gratitude and national unity. She said she was encouraged by testimonies from women whose lives have been positively impacted by government policies and programs introduced to recognize and strengthen women’s contribution to national development.
According to Mrs. Museveni, Uganda before 1986 was marked by insecurity, economic difficulties, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and limited opportunities for women to participate in public life. She attributed changes in women’s status to deliberate and structured interventions by the NRM government, including expanded access to education and healthcare, as well as increased participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in political and decision-making processes.
She noted that women currently occupy some of the country’s highest offices, including Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament.
Mrs. Museveni also highlighted women’s growing presence across sectors such as sports, public service, civil society, and the private sector. She said government initiatives like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and agricultural transformation programs have enabled millions of women to access financing, skills training, and markets.
According to the First Lady, these interventions have contributed to women owning businesses, leading savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs), managing cooperatives, and increasing household incomes, leading to improved social standing within families and communities.
She encouraged women to build on these gains, aim higher, and consider establishing a women’s bank to advance their financial interests. She also called on women to promote peace, describing them as a unifying force in society.
“We can therefore protect the peace of our country because one cannot raise dust on a cement floor,” Mrs. Museveni said, adding that peace could be preserved through prayer, nonviolence, and collective responsibility.
Additionally, she cautioned young people against being drawn into violence and street protests driven by what she described as dishonest messaging and self-serving political interests. She urged youth to critically assess political appeals and instead use lawful means to participate in national affairs.
Mrs. Museveni concluded by encouraging Ugandans of voting age to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to choose leaders they believe demonstrate integrity.
