By Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is set to celebrate his 80th birthday with a thanksgiving ceremony in Nakaseke district, part of the Greater Luweero Triangle area, a region of significant historical importance to his rise to power.
The event, organized by Minister for Luweero Triangle Alice Kaboyo, will be held at Kijaguzo Catholic Parish headquarters on September 15, 2024. It will feature special prayers, speeches, and a luncheon attended by government officials, Members of Parliament, and veterans of the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war.
“We chose this venue for a reason,” Kaboyo explained. “This parish supported the president immensely during the war that brought this government to power. It’s where some of the important visits to NRA were always kept, and whenever the president wanted a moment of reflection, he would come here.”
Museveni, born on September 15, 1944, to cattle keeper Amos Kaguta and Esteri Kokundeka Nganzi in Ntungamo, has previously expressed a preference for low-key birthday celebrations. However, this year’s event appears to be a departure from that tradition.
“We believe that 80 years for a leader who is still healthy and leading with sanity is something special and worth celebrating,” Kaboyo said. “The people are happy to celebrate with him and have given us many gifts for him.”
The choice of Nakaseke for the celebration highlights the enduring connection between Museveni’s government and the Luweero Triangle, an area that played a crucial role in the NRA’s guerrilla war of the 1980s. This war ultimately brought Museveni to power in 1986, marking the beginning of his long tenure as Uganda’s president.
The event has attracted considerable attention, with several dignitaries expected to attend. It also serves as a reminder of Museveni’s longevity in Ugandan politics, having ruled the country for nearly four decades.
Critics have pointed out that celebrating the president’s birthday in such a manner could be seen as reinforcing a personality cult. However, supporters argue that it’s a fitting tribute to a leader who has played a pivotal role in Uganda’s recent history.
As preparations continue, the celebration is likely to reignite discussions about Museveni’s legacy, the future of Ugandan politics, and the country’s trajectory as its long-serving leader enters his ninth decade.
The event also comes at a time when questions about succession and the country’s political future are increasingly prominent in national discourse, adding an additional layer of significance to this milestone birthday celebration.
