President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the East African Revival for its contribution to the moral, social and economic transformation of Ankole over the past 90 years.
President Museveni said the Revival helped communities confront social challenges including alcoholism, adultery, dishonesty, poor hygiene, superstition and harmful traditional practices, while promoting education, discipline and responsible Christian living.
He made the remarks today at St. John’s Cathedral, Ruharo, in Mbarara City, during celebrations marking 90 years of the East African Revival in Greater Ankole.
The five-day Ankole Revival Convention was held under the theme, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever,” drawn from Hebrews 13:8.
The East African Revival, which took root in Ankole in 1936, was a spiritual movement that emphasised repentance, personal transformation and practical Christian living. Over the decades, it has had a significant influence on the social and spiritual life of communities across the region.
President Museveni congratulated the bishops of Ankole for commemorating the anniversary, describing his return to Ruharo as a deeply personal experience.
“I want to thank the Lord because He has really favoured me. I was first here on this compound of this cathedral 77 years ago,” he said.
President Museveni recalled that his family initially resisted joining the Church of Uganda after missionaries arrived in Ankole in 1899.
“My great grandfather, who was alive, refused to join the Church. All my grandfathers refused to join the Church. It is only my father, mother and myself who, in 1947, joined the Church at Kinoni,” he said.
He also recalled returning to Ankole with his parents and sister, Dr. Kajubiri, in 1949 during celebrations to mark 50 years of the Church’s presence in the region.
President Museveni recounted how he became separated from his parents during the gathering after following a woman whose clothing had a pattern similar to that of his mother.
“I followed a woman wearing the same cloth with the same pattern as my mother’s. I followed her, and later Mzee Kaguta followed me. This was 77 years ago. Praise be to the Lord,” he said.
He said he returned to Ankole again in 1953 with his father and later came back in 1959 to join Junior Secondary One, recalling that prayer was part of their daily routine.
President Museveni said the East African Revival played a significant role in addressing social problems that had affected communities in Ankole.