By Frank Kamuntu
President Yoweri Museveni yesterday Sunday joined by thousands of residents, family members and dignitaries in Nakaseke District to celebrate his 80th birthday.
At the event held at Kijaguzo village in Semuto, Museveni assured the residents that the government would address the area’s pressing concerns, including the rehabilitation of key roads such as Masulita-Luwero, Kiwoko-Butalangu, and Butalangu-Kapeeka-Nakwaya. He emphasized the importance of these projects in improving transportation and boosting economic activities in the region.
President Museveni also expressed concern over the issue of land grabbing, which continues to affect residents despite existing legal protections.
He noted that the 1998 Land Act provides strong safeguards for tenants and prohibits illegal evictions by landlords.
“We have ensured that no landlord can chase you from your land because the Land Act we passed in 1998 doesn’t allow it,” Museveni said, encouraging the community to hold onto their rights and not fall victim to such illegal actions.
He further expressed disappointment that these activities were happening under the watch of local leaders and urged the residents to hold their elected officials accountable for protecting their rights.
In addition to his remarks, Museveni made generous donations to the local community. He gave Shs 50 million to Kijaguzo Catholic Church, a gesture that was received with much appreciation. He also presented a new bus to St. Dennis Kijaguzo in fulfilment of a promise he had made to the school years back.
The President’s birthday event was a major celebration, attracting thousands of residents from Nakaseke and the wider Luwero Triangle.
Several key figures also spoke during the occasion, paying tribute to Museveni’s leadership and reflecting on the historical importance of Kijaguzo village in the liberation struggle.
Mrs. Janet Museveni, the First Lady, led the prayers during the event, thanking God for protecting President Museveni throughout his life and leadership.
She also expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kijaguzo village, particularly acknowledging Mrs. Anne Nakampi, who provided refuge to Museveni, his mother Esteri Kokundeka, and several NRA commanders during the 1980s war.
Nakampi hid them in Kijaguzo Catholic Church to protect them from the Milton Obote regime’s soldiers and police.
“We thank God for using Sister Nakampi and other good Samaritans in those trying times,” Mrs. Museveni said. She praised Nakampi for her Christian love and compassion, noting that her acts of kindness were critical to the family’s survival during that turbulent period.
In response, Mrs. Anne Nakampi thanked Museveni for his continued support, including the rehabilitation of Kijaguzo Catholic Church and the provision of vehicles for new bishops.
“We thank you for loving us from the time of war to this date,” Nakampi said, adding that the President’s leadership had transformed the community.
President Museveni’s third-born daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo delivered a sermon at the event. Her message emphasized faith and resilience, values that have been central to Museveni’s leadership and personal journey.
Additionally, Israel Mugina Karugire, the President’s grandson and son of Natasha Karugire, delivered one of the scripture readings, adding a family touch to the proceedings.
The Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori, Alice Kaboyo, praised Museveni’s leadership in her remarks, calling the birthday celebration an opportunity to give thanks to God for the President’s life and the progress Uganda has made under his guidance.
The event also featured performances by refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, symbolizing the President’s commitment to regional peace and unity. The lively music added a joyful and celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
