Museveni’s Rebel Alliance: How He Lured Amama Mbabazi and Kahinda Otafiire into the Bush War

President Yoweri Museveni recently commended former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline for their significant contributions to reorienting Uganda, which had lost its way before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government took power.

“I congratulate Hon. Mbabazi and Jacqueline; first and foremost for being with us in the struggle of reorienting Uganda from the wrong direction to the correct direction,” he said.

The President, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, made the remarks on April 6, 2024, as Mbabazi and Jacqueline celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Serena Hotel, Kampala.President Museveni also commended the couple for building a family during the unstable times of the resistance struggle and staying together for 50 years.

“When you are a freedom fighter, you are more than a priest because you are committed but you are committed to something dangerous and disruptive, so we must praise God to see that we the freedom fighters were able to also have families,” he said.

The President and Maama Janet gifted Mbabazi and his wife 20 Friesian cows to mark their milestone anniversary. President Museveni also shared how he met Mbabazi during his political struggle in the 1970s and how Mbabazi helped him rebuild his elite network, which had been disrupted by their allies, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

“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 Kazhungu, 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.

“I want to thank these comrades, Amama Mbabazi and Kahinda Otafiire, for helping us to revive the elite part of our network, which had been disrupted by the bad plans of our partners, the UPC. I also want to thank Jacqueline for keeping quiet, whether she liked it or not; she never let us down or betrayed us,” President Museveni said.

President Museveni further revealed that Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire helped him recruit part of the 28 original fighters of FRONASA, who were trained 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 said.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who was also present at the ceremony, praised the couple for their dedication to the country’s liberation struggle.

“Your contribution to the struggle for Uganda’s independence and development is immeasurable. Your commitment to the NRM’s core principles has been exemplary, and we are grateful for your service,” he said.

On his part, Amama Mbabazi said his relationship with Mrs. Jacqueline came at a difficult time of struggle in 1974, and their union was not just a contract of matrimony but a pact of survival and resistance.

“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,” Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi said.

“In her, I saw a companion for life, someone who could shoulder the burdens of our struggle and nurture a family. It was this unwavering strength and indomitable spirit that drew me to her, and together we embarked on a journey, a journey that has weathered storms,” he added.

Mbabazi also thanked President Museveni for supporting and always standing by him.

“To Mr. President, your support has been invaluable, and it stands as a testament of the spirit of unity and solidarity that defines our nation,” he said.

The former Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda also congratulated Mbabazi and his wife for reaching the  milestone and thanked them for being dependable and reliable  friends. 

“I also want to thank President Museveni for knowing the strong  points of Ndugu Amama. You remember the other day, Ndugu  Amama was Attorney General, a job he did very well but had two  or three other Ministries and remember the name Super Minister,  I think Ndugu Amama this was really a recognition of your capacity  and ability to be able to perform well in the responsibilities that  you are given,” Dr. Rugunda said. 

“I’m also happy that Ndugu Amama is now carrying out  responsibilities especially on the African and global scene on  behalf of our country again handed to him by President Museveni  because he knows his capacity and ability to be able to effectively  address those issues.”

Mrs. Jacqueline Mbabazi thanked God for enabling them to  celebrate their 50 years of marriage. 

“This day is not a minor achievement, and we owe it to God. I also  want to thank all of you, our friends, family and the Church who  have supported us throughout this journey. It has not been a very  easy journey but most of the time, it has been pleasant. I thank  you Amama for accepting to live with me for 50 years with all my  perfect imperfections,” she said.