Entebbe, Uganda — Her Excellency Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady of Uganda and Minister of Education and Sports, has been honoured with the 2025 International Woman Icon Award by Binary University Malaysia. The prestigious ceremony took place at State House, Entebbe, and was graced by her husband, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside dignitaries from Uganda and abroad.

A Celebration of Leadership and Service
The award was presented by Puan Sri Datin Professor Dr Rohini Devi, Founding Director of the Centre for Women Leadership (CWL), together with Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Joseph Adaikalam, Founder and Chairman of Binary University. Also in attendance was the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr J.C. Muyingo, among many other distinguished guests.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mrs Museveni reflected on a lifetime of service shaped by personal trials and national duty. She spoke about confronting what she described as the growing “Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome” in society, expressing her commitment—by God’s grace—to build “an ethical and hopeful Uganda.”
“May this Award inspire our young people to lay their brick for Uganda. Ask what you can do for your country… To God be the glory.”
She thanked her husband, President Museveni, for 52 years of loyal friendship, and appreciated her family for being “the wind beneath my wings.”

A Journey Rooted in Experience and Compassion
The First Lady recounted the difficult journeys through Entebbe, Nairobi, and Sweden during years of exile, which awakened in her a deep calling to serve. These experiences led to the founding of:
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- UWESO (Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans)
- The National Strategy for the Advancement of Rural Women in Uganda (NSARWU)
- The Uganda Youth Forum, which played a key role in protecting young people from HIV/AIDS

Her service continued through her role as Minister for Karamoja and now as Minister of Education and Sports, with a mission centered on uplifting communities, expanding opportunity, and championing holistic education for every Ugandan child.
About the International Woman Icon Award
The Centre for Women Leadership (CWL) at Binary University Malaysia honours outstanding women leaders whose work has transformed communities and inspired global progress. Its awards include:

- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Women of Excellence Award
- International Woman Icon Award
Past recipients include influential figures such as Madam Salma Kikwete, former First Lady of Tanzania, and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, former First Lady of Malaysia—placing Mrs Museveni among an esteemed circle of notable global leaders.
A Testament to Dedication

Professor Joseph Adaikalam praised the First Lady’s long-standing impact in education, youth empowerment, rural transformation, and child welfare. He noted that her story—from the hardships of exile to national leadership—embodies resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to Uganda’s social transformation.
The award also highlights growing academic cooperation between Uganda and Malaysia, including ongoing partnerships between Makerere University and Binary University to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership.

A Beacon of Hope for the Next Generation
Mrs Museveni dedicated the honour to Uganda’s young people, urging them to embrace integrity, hard work, and service to the nation. Her message—rooted in faith, perseverance, and patriotism—resonated strongly with guests and viewers across the country.

The 2025 International Woman Icon Award stands as a tribute to her enduring dedication to uplifting lives, transforming communities, and championing education for all Ugandan children.