Attorney General Dr. Sam Mayanja has credited Pastor Aloysius Bugingo for playing a role in his political rise, saying the preacher had earlier prophesied that he would one day hold a senior government position.
Mayanja made the revelation during a thanksgiving service held at Pastor Bugingo’s Canaan Land Church in Makerere Kavule, off Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road, where thousands of believers gathered to celebrate God’s blessings.
The service was attended by several government officials, including Minister of the Presidency Milly Babalanda, Kampala Affairs Minister Minsa Kabanda and Internal Affairs Minister Juma Witonze, among other leaders and Members of Parliament.
During the event, Pastor Bugingo thanked God for the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, whom he praised for creating an environment where Born Again Christians can freely practice their faith.
After delivering his message, Bugingo invited some of the ministers present to address the congregation and share their testimonies.
When it was his turn, Dr. Mayanja told worshippers that his journey to becoming a senior government official was partly connected to the prayers and prophecy he received from Pastor Bugingo years earlier.
Mayanja recalled an encounter with Bugingo when he was still a private lawyer before joining government, saying the pastor visited his law offices in Nakasero and requested to pray for him.
He said that during the prayer session, Bugingo spoke words that he interpreted as a prophecy about his future elevation into a major public office.
“At that time, I was just going about my duties as a lawyer and private citizen who only gave my views on land-related justice through my newspaper articles. Then all of a sudden, the President called one day and announced he was making me his State Minister for Lands,” Mayanja said.
He explained that after receiving the appointment, he immediately remembered the private prayer session with Pastor Bugingo and the words spoken over his life.
Mayanja later served as State Minister for Lands for five years before being elevated to the position of Attorney General, one of the highest legal offices in Uganda.
He said after becoming minister, he returned to Canaan Land to appreciate Pastor Bugingo and thank God for the opportunity he had received.
According to Mayanja, Bugingo prayed for him again and spoke about another future elevation, a prediction he said came to mind when he was appointed Attorney General.
“Many had predicted how I was going to become a political liability and my boss the President dumps me,” Mayanja said, adding that the new appointment proved otherwise.
The Attorney General also said he shares similarities with Pastor Bugingo, especially their humble beginnings and experiences serving communities.
He revealed that his own evangelism journey started in the Bwaise slums, where he preached on streets as a young law student at Makerere University in the 1970s.
Mayanja praised President Museveni for allowing Born Again Christians to freely worship, saying this was different from previous governments where some religious groups faced restrictions.
He recalled a time when, as a young believer at Makerere Full Gospel Church, he approached President Idi Amin’s office to plead for the release of three Born Again leaders who had been arrested after opposing restrictions on their faith.
The minister said Pastor Bugingo’s appreciation for President Museveni should be understood in the context of religious freedom that he believes has been promoted under the current government.
Mayanja also reflected on his time as State Minister for Lands, describing it as a challenging period when his tough positions on land issues created disagreements with some leaders.
He said his stance on Mailo land and the protection of Bibanja owners made him unpopular among some political actors, but he remained committed to his principles.
Mayanja said he survived difficult moments, including dangerous land disputes where he faced threats, because of his faith and the prayers of Pastor Bugingo.
He narrated how he handled sensitive land conflicts in places such as Mpigi and Bunyoro, saying he continued working despite fears and opposition because he believed God was protecting him.
The Attorney General said he remained determined to defend vulnerable land owners, even when some government officials and local leaders disagreed with his approach.
He also recalled moments when critics warned him against openly supporting President Museveni in areas considered opposition strongholds, but said he refused to hide his political views.
Mayanja said his actions were guided by his beliefs and that he remained confident because he believed God was greater than any challenge he faced.
He told the congregation that despite predictions from critics that his approach would harm President Museveni’s support in Buganda, the President’s performance in the region improved.
Mayanja concluded by thanking God for his journey and pledged to continue worshipping at Canaan Land Church, where he said he regularly goes for prayers.
During the thanksgiving service, he gave a $3,000 offering as a sign of appreciation, while other ministers also thanked Pastor Bugingo and promised to continue supporting church activities.
