Edtitorial
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, has been honoured with the prestigious International Women Icon Award 2025 from Binary University Malaysia.
Speaking at the ceremony held on Sunday at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni congratulated the First Lady on the milestone, noting that she deserved it.
“I therefore congratulate Maama on this award, she deserves it. I also salute Binary University for having that sharpness of perception and for identifying the big contribution of Maama from far away,” he added.
President Museveni also recognised Maama’s contributions saying that she has played a central role in his life, noting that her support has helped him establish an enduring legacy.
He recalled that during his time in the bushwar, Maama Janet shouldered the full responsibility of raising their children, guiding and protecting them as a sole parent.
“She took all the burden and all the pressure, and she did it very well, helped by God. I salute her for helping me to become eternal also looking after those children when I was away,” he added.
President Museveni further praised Maama Janet that she is highly gifted in nurturing and running a home.
President Museveni also described Maama Janet as a philanthropist whose compassion and humanitarian work continues to touch different lives.
The award was presented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor and founding Director for the Centre of Women Leadership, Dr. Rohini Devi.
This was in recognition of the First Lady’s exceptional contribution to girls’ education, women empowerment, child welfare, and community development over the years.
It also celebrates her dedication to championing value-based leadership, integrity, and service to the nation.
Dr. Rohini further acknowledged Maama Janet’s longstanding commitment to social welfare, citing her founding forums like Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) which transformed the lives of many orphans, those affected by wars and the HIV/AIDs patients, forming the Youth forum to mentor and empower young people.
Receiving the award, the First Lady expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing initiatives that uplift families and strengthen Uganda’s social fabric.
Binary University Malaysia focuses mainly on entrepreneurship, promoting investment and has nurtured hundreds of young entrepreneurs and it mainly focuses on producing graduates who are not only academically smart but industry ready.
