Outpouring of tributes as Museveni celebrates 80th birthday

_____________________
 PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TURNS 80 

(All photos taken by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
_____________________

Spirits were high in Nakaseke district on Sunday as President Yoweri Museveni celebrated his 80th birthday at a place of historical significance. Scroll down this page to relive some moments from the celebrations:
_____________________

 3:46 PM 

 Museveni cuts birthday cake

The President is joined in the cake tent by some members of his family to do the cake-cutting honours.

_____________________

 2:50 PM 

🇷🇺 🇺🇬  Putin sends birthday wishes to Museveni

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on the occasion of his 80th birthday "with wishes of good health, well-being and success in all state endeavors", according to the Russian Embassy in Uganda.

In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, the embassy attached a document of Putin's message to Museveni dated September 15, 2024.

Here it is:

_____________________

 2:20 PM 

📸  Pastor Patience prays for dad

Pastor Patience Rwabwogo has prayed for her father, President Yoweri Museveni.

_____________________

 1:48 PM 

📸  Ecstatic crowds

Excitement is in the air at the birthday celebrations for President Yoweri Museveni, who has turned 80.

_____________________

 12:52 PM 

📸 An immaculately music-filled affair

A medley of angelic voices have done well to animate these birthday celebrations.

This Ethiopian group has delivered an enthralling musical performance.

_____________________

 12:30 PM 

📸 Museveni arriving with First Lady

A little while ago, President Yoweri Museveni arrived at the venue accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

They arrived standing through the sunroof and waving to the thousands of people in attendance. After disembarking from their vehicle, the First Couple were welcomed by top officials.

This time around, Museveni's shirt colour took on a different shade: olive yellow.

Take a look at the pictures of the Musevenis' arrival:

_____________________

 12:13 PM 

📸  First Family members

The members of the First Family, including the Rwabwogos, are attending the birthday celebrations of their father, father-in-law and grandfather.

_____________________

 11:45 AM 

Special Mass held

As part of today's celebrations, a special Mass has been conducted, attended by thousands of NRM supporters and wellwishers.

The Mass is led by the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese, Dr Joseph Anthony Zziwa.

_____________________

 11:30 AM 

📖 Vision Group's souvenir magazine

This week's Weekend Vision came with a free copy of  a souvenir magazine honouring President Museveni at 80 years of age.

The special magazine has 120 pages of "celebrating a revolutionary  life under God's hand".

_____________________

 11:04 AM 

📸 More pictures from the celebrations

Vice-President Jessica Alupo arrives for the function.

Local people attending the celebrations.

It is a meeting and greeting affair.

Religious leaders from the various denominations are in attendance.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and NRM 1st national vice-chairman Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo having a chat.

Rt. Hon. Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali is also present.

Finance minister Matia Kasaija...

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa arriving in the company of his wife Anita Rukundo Tayebwa (R).

Security minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi has been accompanied by his wife Susan Muhwezi.

Youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara greeting  First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Rebecca Kadaga, who is also the Minister for East African Community Affairs.

Former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi (left, arriving with wife Jacqueline) and Ruhakana Rugunda (3rd-R) are present for the celebrations.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among having a chat.

_____________________

 10:53 AM 

A day of celebrating life

Amid a celebratory mood, the birthday celebrations for President Yoweri Museveni, who turns 80, are taking place at an event in Kijaguzo village at Semuto trading centre in Nakaseke district.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among arriving for the celebrations. Left is Police chief Abbas Byakagaba

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is present

Gen Ivan Koreta (left) is among the many military officers attending the celebrations

The celebration has attracted a large number of high profile attendees, as the country also pays tribute to Museveni's long-standing leadership and the historical significance of Kijaguzo village in the National Resistance Movement's (NRM) rise to power.

During the NRA bush war, Kijaguzo played a critical role in supporting Museveni's fighters as they took the war on the government of then-President Apollo Milton Obote.

At the time, residents provided shelter and supplies to the rebels, allowing them to escape capture by government forces.

It was in this village that Museveni along with his fellow fighters were hid. 

Fast-forward to today, the celebration is serving as a platform for supporters and well-wishers to pay tribute to the president's leadership and accomplishments.

In power since 1986, Museveni is credited by his supporters with bringing stability, economic growth, and development to Uganda.

'Someone special'

In the lead-up to the celebration, many Ugandans, including government officials, had already taken to social media platform X to wish the President a happy birthday.

Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, said: " Happy birthday to a remarkable leader Omugurusi (Our elder) Waitu. We thank God for the gift of life and pray that He keeps you around to guide the nation to success."

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among extended her gratitude to the President for his "exemplary stewardship and visionary leadership", saying this has helped sustain an extended period of stability, growth, and prosperity in Uganda.

"As you celebrate your 80th birthday, we recognize the profound impact you have had on Uganda's progress and unity, " she said.

The Minister of State for Luwero and Rwenzori Affairs, Alice Kaboyo, said: "We feel lucky to have someone as special as you, a constant presence in our lives. I wish you, HE Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa, a happy 80 birthday. "

Also to congratulate the President was the head of criminal investigations, Tom Magambo, and disaster preparedness state minister Lilian Aber.

"Ladit @KagutaMuseveni, we thank God for your life and celebrate your achievements on earth every day, " said Aber.