I Survived by His Grace’: Museveni Recounts the Night Death Knocked

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday delivered a deeply emotional and captivating account of how he narrowly escaped death in 1973 during the violent reign of the late dictator Idi Amin Dada. The President shared this harrowing memory while addressing thousands of jubilant supporters in Manafwa District, weaving a powerful narrative of survival, divine intervention, and the enduring spirit of Uganda’s resilience.

Standing before a sea of yellow-clad supporters, Mr. Museveni reflected on one of the darkest moments in Uganda’s history—an era marked by fear, uncertainty, and oppression.

With emotion evident in his voice, the long-serving leader recounted how fate spared him from certain death, a moment that would later strengthen his resolve to dedicate his life to the liberation and transformation of Uganda.

“First, I thank God for saving me and others in 1973 when Amin’s soldiers surrounded us in Mwambe’s house. Two of my colleagues were killed that day. I survived by His grace,” Museveni told the cheering crowd, his tone heavy with gratitude and reflection.

The President described the deadly ambush by Amin’s soldiers as one of the closest encounters with death he had ever faced during the liberation struggle. That brush with mortality, he said, became a turning point that steeled his conviction to fight for peace, justice, and freedom—a mission he believes the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has diligently pursued and achieved over the past four decades.

The rally, held on November 6, 2025, was part of Mr. Museveni’s vigorous campaign tour across the eastern region. His stop in Manafwa carried both political and personal significance, as he presented the NRM Manifesto for the 2026–2031 term, outlining a comprehensive vision to consolidate peace, advance development, and expand opportunities for every Ugandan.

Mr. Museveni underscored that peace remains the cornerstone of the NRM’s achievements, emphasizing that Uganda’s stability was not an accident but a product of deliberate effort, inclusivity, and respect for diversity.

“Peace was not easy to achieve, but we built it by valuing every Ugandan. Under the NRM, Uganda now enjoys peace, good roads, electricity, clean water, and schools,” he declared, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd gathered under the blazing Manafwa sun.

The President went on to celebrate the tangible progress witnessed in the district, pointing out that 96 percent of Manafwa’s villages now have access to safe and clean water—a milestone that has dramatically improved public health and quality of life.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade health centres and educational institutions, ensuring that essential public services reach even the most remote rural communities.

Turning to the theme of economic empowerment, Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to wealth creation and job generation, particularly through the now-famous four-acre model. This initiative, he explained, provides rural households with a clear path toward self-reliance and prosperity by promoting diversified farming and modern agricultural practices.

“Wealth creation and jobs remain our focus through programmes like the four-acre model. We must continue building prosperity for all Ugandans,” the President stressed. He urged the people of Manafwa to embrace hard work, discipline, and innovation as vital tools for transforming their lives and communities.

Museveni’s rally in Manafwa was a vibrant and electrifying affair, featuring music, dance, and impassioned chants of support. Locals turned out in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the veteran leader, whose decades-long political journey has become intertwined with Uganda’s story of endurance and progress.

Later in the day, the President was scheduled to address another rally at Nabbonga Grounds in Bulambuli District, continuing his message of unity and transformation under the NRM banner. His eastern region tour forms part of a broader national campaign as he seeks re-election for a seventh term in office, promising to deepen Uganda’s journey toward sustained peace, unity, and socio-economic development.

With every stop along the campaign trail, Museveni continues to blend history with hope—reminding Ugandans not only of how far the country has come, but also of the sacrifices and faith that shaped its path.

His 1973 escape, as he recounted, stands as a symbol of both divine protection and enduring purpose—a reminder that from moments of peril can emerge a lifelong mission to secure a peaceful and prosperous Uganda.