President Yoweri Museveni has thanked Ugandans, East Africans and other well-wishers for the messages he received as he marked his 82nd birthday, saying the celebrations reflected the support of millions of people.
Museveni said his social media handler, Precious Kamwiine, informed him that about eight million messages had been received to mark the occasion.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, particularly the younger generation he often refers to as the “Bazzukulu,” Museveni expressed gratitude to members of his family and supporters across Uganda and beyond.
He specifically acknowledged messages from his immediate family, including First Lady Janet Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Natasha Karugire, Patience Museveni and Kyaremeera, as well as members of the wider National Resistance Movement (NRM) family.
“I thank God for the 82 years,” Museveni said, while also expressing appreciation for what he described as peace and progress in Uganda.
The President pointed to developments in agriculture, the oil sector, mining and industrialisation as areas where he believes the country has made progress during his time in leadership.
Museveni also used the occasion to raise concerns about environmental conservation, particularly amid what he described as unreliable rainfall patterns.
He said the changing weather should serve as a reminder that Ugandans should not take nature for granted, linking environmental protection to the country's long-term development.
“The present unreliable rains are a reminder that we should not take nature for granted,” Museveni said.
He called on people occupying wetlands, forests and other protected areas to leave those locations, arguing that the areas are important natural resources that need to be preserved.
“Those in the wetlands or forests or other protected areas, must get out so that we keep the treasure God gave us,” he said.
Museveni's birthday message combined appreciation for the public celebrations with a call for environmental protection, while highlighting agriculture, oil, minerals and manufacturing as key areas of Uganda's economic development.
The President has remained in power since 1986 and continues to lead the NRM, which has governed Uganda for four decades.