Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed gratitude to millions of people who celebrated his 82nd birthday, saying he hopes to live for another 18 years and reach the age of 100.
Museveni, who turned 82 on September 15, 2026, shared a post-birthday message in which he thanked what he described as about eight million well-wishers who sent him messages of goodwill.
The veteran Ugandan leader said the birthday messages, together with God’s blessings, would give him and his wife, First Lady Janet Museveni, hope for many more years.
Museveni said he hopes to reach 100, while Janet would be 96 by then.
Museveni’s message goes beyond birthday celebrations
Rather than focusing entirely on his birthday, Museveni used the occasion to outline what he considers important priorities for Africa in the years ahead.
He called on Africans to pursue greater economic and political integration, arguing that a more integrated continent could provide a larger market for African producers and strengthen the continent’s strategic position.
Among the issues he highlighted was the creation of a stronger African common market, which he said would enable wealth creators to expand beyond individual national markets.
He also renewed his support for political integration in Africa, citing the proposed East African Federation as an example of regional integration.
Museveni further spoke about what he termed undugu, or brotherhood, among Africa’s major linguistic groupings.
He argued that stronger unity among Africans would contribute to the continent’s prosperity and security.
A birthday at a significant point in Museveni’s presidency
Museveni’s 82nd birthday comes months after he began another five-year presidential term.
He was sworn in for his seventh term in May 2026 following Uganda’s January presidential election.
Uganda’s State House says Museveni won the election and began the 2026–2031 term after the swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds.
His presidency dates back to January 1986, when he came to power after leading the National Resistance Movement and its armed wing, the National Resistance Army, during a five-year rebellion.
According to Uganda’s State House, Museveni had earlier been involved in resistance activities against Idi Amin and later launched an armed struggle against the government of Milton Obote in 1981.
His latest birthday therefore represents another milestone in a political career spanning more than four decades at the centre of Ugandan public life.
Family and supporters celebrate the milestone
Museveni’s birthday also attracted messages from members of his family and supporters.
First Lady Janet Museveni publicly celebrated her husband, while their children also shared birthday messages.
His son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire were among those who publicly marked the occasion.
Birthday celebrations were also held in Uganda, including events involving young people.
The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation reported that Gen Z participants gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where discussions focused on wealth creation, skills development, value addition, patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
Museveni also reflects on Uganda-Kenya relations
His post-birthday reflections also touched on Uganda’s petroleum imports and its relationship with Kenya.
Museveni said Uganda had previously relied on intermediaries in Kenya when purchasing petroleum products.
He credited changes in the procurement arrangement and cooperation with Kenya for helping Uganda reduce some of its import costs.
He specifically thanked President William Ruto over the arrangement that allows Uganda to transport petroleum products through Kenya’s pipeline infrastructure.
The issue has particular significance for the two neighbouring countries because Uganda remains a major user of Kenya’s transport and petroleum infrastructure for moving refined fuel inland.
Looking ahead
At 82, Museveni remains one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state.
His latest birthday message was therefore not simply a reflection on his age but also an outline of the continental issues he says he wants Africans to address.
For Museveni, the next 18 years, if his hope of reaching 100 is fulfilled, should be dedicated to advancing African economic integration, political cooperation and greater continental unity.
His message came as Uganda continues its new five-year political cycle, while the president maintains his longstanding emphasis on Pan-Africanism and deeper East African integration.
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