First Lady Janet Museveni has thanked God for protecting her life, revealing that she narrowly survived what she described as a life-threatening situation earlier this year.
Janet made the remarks during the consecration ceremony of her daughter Patience Rwabwogo as a Pentecostal Bishop at Covenant Hill Maya, where she delivered a prayer thanking God for her family and Uganda.
The ceremony attracted thousands of worshippers and was attended by President Yoweri Museveni, government officials, religious leaders and international evangelists led by American preacher Bishop Dr. LaDonna C. Osborn.
Patience Rwabwogo, the founder of Covenant Nations Church, became the first Ugandan woman to be formally consecrated as a Bishop during the colourful ceremony.
During her prayer, Janet expressed gratitude to God for the journey her family and the country have gone through over the past decades.
She reflected on Uganda’s past challenges, including political instability, HIV/AIDS and insecurity, saying she believed God had guided the nation through difficult times.
The First Lady also recalled the period when her family lived in exile in Kenya and Sweden before returning to Uganda after President Museveni came into power in 1986.
Janet said God had protected her family throughout their struggles and continued to provide strength during difficult moments.
She then spoke about her own health challenges, saying she experienced a situation this year where she came close to losing her life.
“You are indeed a merciful God, because of you I narrowly survived death this year,” Janet said while thanking God for giving her another chance at life.
She explained that there was a time when she became too weak to pray for herself, but she received support from prayer warriors and Christians who continued praying for her recovery.
Janet said she believed God answered the prayers of those who stood with her and restored her health during the difficult period.
She described God as the greatest healer and referred to the Bible verse Isaiah 53:5 while speaking about her recovery.
The moment became emotional as Janet struggled to hold back tears while speaking about her experience and expressing her gratitude.
President Museveni, who was seated beside her, moved closer and helped adjust the microphone as she delivered her prayer while seated.
The congregation reacted with excitement as the President showed support and affection towards his wife during the emotional moment.
After the prayer, Museveni again approached Janet and held her hand, an act that attracted attention from those attending the ceremony.
The President later thanked God for blessing their family through Patience’s consecration, saying his family had never produced a Bishop before.
Museveni said that despite his family’s long history, having a Bishop among them was a major spiritual milestone.
Janet also prayed for her daughter, asking God to give Bishop Patience Rwabwogo the wisdom and strength needed to lead the church ministry.
She asked God to help Covenant Nations Church grow and expand its work beyond Uganda’s borders.
The First Lady further appreciated Bishop Osborn and other international religious leaders who attended the consecration ceremony.
Museveni also thanked the visiting religious leaders and encouraged Ugandan pastors to focus on spiritual calling and serving people’s needs.
He concluded his remarks by offering 50 cows to his daughter and appreciating their children for supporting Janet during her health struggles.
