ENTEBBE: First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni has thanked Ugandans for their prayers and support during the period she was indisposed, saying the compassion extended to her and her family deeply touched her heart.
The First Lady made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf by the State Minister for Trade, David Bahati, during celebrations to mark 40 years of ministry by Bishop Aaron Mutebi at Entebbe Miracle Centre Church on Saturday.
Maama Janet expressed gratitude to God for her healing and thanked Ugandans who “interceded” for her during her illness several months ago.
“I am grateful to God for healing me, for the sacrifice of love that was exhibited to me, H.E. the President and my entire family. May God bless you all,” she said.
She congratulated Bishop Mutebi and his wife, Maama Justine Mutebi, for dedicating 40 years to the service of God and the Christian community.
The First Lady described the large gathering at the church as testimony to Bishop Mutebi’s life of perseverance, faith and service.
She said the 40-year milestone carried significant spiritual meaning, citing the 40 years Moses spent in the wilderness, the Israelites’ wandering in the desert and the 40 days and nights of the biblical flood.
She also noted that Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and nights before beginning His public ministry.
“Therefore, the period of 40 years is not just a number. It marks a generation biblically, but it also signifies seasons of testing, preparation, transition and new beginnings,” she said.
Maama Janet commended Bishop Mutebi for his humility, faith and steadfastness, particularly his efforts to advocate for the wellbeing of families and equip spiritual leaders.
She also recognised the contribution of Entebbe Miracle Centre Church towards shaping young people in Entebbe Municipality.
“Thank you for your commitment to nurturing a generation of citizens, committed to serve the nation with integrity, dedication and a great work ethic,” she said.
The First Lady, however, used the occasion to raise concern over challenges facing young people, including drug abuse and exposure to inappropriate activities.
She warned that drugs were increasingly being disguised in seemingly innocent products such as soft drinks and cookies, making them easily accessible to young people in schools and communities.
She also referred to a recent school prom incident which, she said, exposed students to “demonic activity” and was captured and widely circulated on social media.
“These are just a few examples of the issues that our young people are grappling with,” she said.
The First Lady called on parents, religious leaders, teachers and the wider community to do more to protect the younger generation.
She cited 2 Timothy 2:2, where Apostle Paul urges believers to pass on the teachings they have received to faithful people who can teach others.
She encouraged adults to deliberately engage young people and pass on Christian values and testimonies of God’s works so that the younger generation can know, trust and serve God.
Her message was anchored on Psalm 145:4: “One generation will commend Your works to another generation and shall declare Your Mighty Acts.”
Maama Janet further thanked Bishop Mutebi for his investment in the youth, saying they would carry Uganda forward in the years to come.
She prayed that he would continue to be a source of wisdom and strength and that Ugandans would learn from his legacy of humility and service to God.
