He Was ‘Muogi’: Museveni Reveals Untold Family Struggles As He Celebrates Muhoozi’s Birthday

By Swift Reporter

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a heartfelt message marking the 52nd birthday of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, combining personal reflections on family life with memories from Uganda’s liberation struggle.

In a statement addressed to Ugandans, Africans, and the “Bazzukulu” (grandchildren), the President expressed gratitude to God for his family and paid tribute to the First Lady, Janet Museveni, for raising their children during the difficult years of the 1981 to 1986 guerrilla war.

Museveni praised his children, Muhoozi, Natasha, Patience, and Kyaremeera, for their achievements in education, careers, and family life, noting that they were “born in the resistance” and grew up during a defining period of Uganda’s history.

Focusing on Gen. Muhoozi, Museveni credited him with contributing to the professionalization of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, particularly in efforts to combat corruption and enhance military effectiveness.

The President also shared personal anecdotes about the birth of his children, linking their birth dates to significant historical events. He recounted that Muhoozi was born on April 24, 1974, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, coinciding with the period of the anti-fascist revolution in Portugal that led to the collapse of its long-standing colonial empire in Africa.

According to Museveni, he informed Mozambican revolutionary leader Samora Machel of the birth but was advised to call back later as Machel was closely following the unfolding events in Portugal.

He similarly linked the birth dates of his other children to notable moments, including World War II Victory Day and the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a lighter moment, Museveni explained the origin of Muhoozi’s nickname “Muogi,” attributing it to pronunciation differences by former Ugandan leader Tito Okello, who was a neighbor during their exile in Tanzania.

The President concluded by congratulating Gen. Muhoozi, his wife, children, and siblings on the milestone, describing it as a moment of pride for the family and their shared journey through Uganda’s political and military history.