By East African Gazette
Kampala
The President of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that he continued to acknowledge the contributions made by the former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi towards the liberation and development of the country, despite their differences.
This sentiment was shared in light of Mbabazi’s previous fallout with Museveni and his subsequent participation in the presidential elections of 2016 against him (Museveni).
Noticeably, Mbabazi was also the longest serving Secretary General of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Addressing the audience at Mbabazi’s 50th wedding anniversary event held at Serena Hotel in Kampala on April 6, 2024, Museveni emphasized that while they may have differing opinions, he will always remember the contributions made in the past and those that will be made in the future.
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“Yes, I can disagree with you but I cannot forget the contribution you made in the past or you will make tomorrow. Even Kategaya, we had differences at one point but afterwards, I asked him. Do you still support East African Integration? He said yes, I told him to come and become the Minister of East African Community Affairs. I’m not bothered about differences because I’m sure of what I’m doing. What is crucial is what Africa needs,” he said amid applause from the audience.
The President disclosed that Mbabazi and Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire assisted him in enlisting part of the 28 initial fighters of FRONASA, who underwent training in Mozambique.
“You cannot talk about Mbabazi, and you don’t talk about Uganda and these comrades like the Rugundas and also those who died represent the line of saving Uganda. I salute these comrades for sticking to the four core principles of the NRM and that is why Uganda has come up. I want the young generation to really take it up and consolidate these principles,” he noted.
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The President who was accompanied by his wife the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, praised former Prime Minister and his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi for their efforts in helping to reorient Uganda, which had veered off course prior to the NRM government taking office.
He commended the couple for establishing a family amidst the instability of the resistance struggle and being able to maintain their bond for half a century.
He stressed that as a freedom fighter, one is more than a priest, because they are dedicated to a risky and disruptive cause, a reason why they praise that freedom fighters were also able to have families.
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“Those of us who did not die, we managed to have families in addition to the fighting which was very intense. Therefore, I want to congratulate Mbabazi and Jacqueline for building up a family, having children and now grandchildren,” the President noted.
President Museveni and his wife also gave the couple 20 Friesian cows as a gift for the remarkable achievement.
They also shared with the attendees the story of how he crossed paths with Mbabazi during his political challenges in the 1970s, and how he assisted him in restoring his influential connections that had been affected by the missteps of their Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party.
“In 1974, while in Nairobi there was a boy who was actually not highly political, but he was with us at Ntare. This boy was called Kazungu and he is the one who told me about Amama Mbabazi that he was active in politics during his university days at Makerere. He also told me about Kahinda Otafiire,” the President recalled.
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After a period of time, the President once again encountered Kazungu, who informed me that he had met with them and they had agreed to have a conversation with him.
“He brought Mbabazi first and that is how we linked up with the group of Mbabazi and Otafiire. They were able to revive what Dr. Rugunda was saying. They were here all the time from 1974 up to the time we captured Kampala and that is why we must salute them because they were very vulnerable, but they were about to operate,” he recalls.
He stressed that despite their vulnerability, they were still able to function effectively.
He used the event to extend thanks to Mbabazi and Otafiire, for assisting the NRA in revitalizing the crucial aspect of their network that had been disrupted by the detrimental schemes of UPC.
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In a special way, he also expressed his appreciation to Jacqueline (Mbabazi’s wife) for her unwavering loyalty and silence, regardless of her personal preferences, saying she never betrayed them.
Mbabazi noted that his relationship with Jacqueline began during a challenging period of hardship in 1974, saying that their marriage was more than just a legal agreement but a bond forged out of necessity and resilience.
“A young man heavily involved in the armed struggle against the dictator Idi Amin found something worth fighting for, something beyond the immediate call of duty called love. In those dark days, many of my comrades including Ruhakana Rugunda and Tumusiime Mutebile were forced into exile, I remained behind where every day could have been my last. In the face of such adversity, a decision to leave behind a legacy was made. It was during this uncertainty and halloween of chaos that I met Jacqueline,” he narrated.
He stressed that her unwavering strength and unbeatable spirit is what attracted him to her, and together they embarked on a journey, that has withstood countless storms.
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He added that in her, he discovered a lifelong companion, someone who could bear the burdens of our struggle and nurture a family.
Mbabazi thanked President Museveni for backing him up and consistently being there for him.
Dr. Rugunda (former Prime Minister) expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for recognizing the exceptional qualities of Mbabazi.
He recalled how Mbabazi had previously served as Attorney General, excelling in his role, while also managing two or three other Ministries.
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He commended Mbabazi’s capacity and ability to effectively fulfill his responsibilities, from which he was referred to as the “Super Minister”.
Jacqueline Mbabazi attributed their ability to celebrate 50 years of marriage to the grace of God.
She acknowledged the significance of the milestone and extended her heartfelt thanks to their friends, family, and the Church for their unwavering support throughout their journey.
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Reflecting on the trials they faced, she noted that their path was not always smooth, but emphasized that the majority of their time together was filled with happiness.
Jaqueline expressed her deep appreciation to her husband for embracing her with all her flaws and choosing to share a lifetime of love and companionship.
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