Festo Kivengere (1919-1988) The Billy Graham of Africa

Festo was a Ugandan Christian leader who faced the wrath of the brutal dictator Idi Amin.

Festo was a world renown evangelist, founder of African Evangelistic Enterprises (AEE), and bishop of Kigezi Diocese in Uganda.

In 1973 Festo attended the firing squad of 3 Christians by Idi Amin’s army.
(The included article by Frederick Quinn is very moving)

When Idi Amin in1977 had Archbishop Janani Luwum killed Festo, with his family were encouraged to flee the country. During his exile he settled in California. USA and travelled extensively preaching and teaching about the situation in Uganda.

April 1979 Idi Amin was overthrown and Festo returned home. He continued an active ministry untilhis death , by leukemia, in 1988. A good part of the year was spent on evangelistic tours to raise money for AEE.

Early in his career he was asked to translate into Swahili the sermons of Billy Graham. Billy was very impressed and they became lifelong friends.

Forgiveness, reconciliation and proclamation were the three corner stones of his ministry. He wrote a book * I love Idi Amin.* In the book he asked for forgiveness from the Lord and for grace to love President Amin more.

The Anglican Community lost an articulate and inspiring preacher; the church of Africa lost one of its most courageous leaders. He played a large role in the Christian revival in southwestern Uganda. Festo was indeed the Billy Graham of Africa..

Sources Christian History, DACB C0llection, Archives of the Episcopal Church
*Ambassadors for Christ -editor J.D. Woodbridge contributor Jay Russell