lifestyle 5 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sam Rutega's 93-Year Journey: Faith, Service, and Survival in Uganda
Sam Rutega's memoir, 'Then Sings My Soul: Nine Decades of God’s Blessings,' chronicles his remarkable 93-year life journey through Uganda's pivotal historical moments. The book reflects on faith, family, public service, and survival. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/sam-rutega-s-93-year-journey-of-faith-service-and-survival-in-uganda-5584944
Sam Rutega, at 93, has penned a memoir titled ‘Then Sings My Soul: Nine Decades of God’s Blessings,’ offering a personal account of his life against the backdrop of Uganda’s transformative history.
Born in Rujumbura, Rutega’s early life was marked by family heritage, personal struggles with illness, and a relentless pursuit of education. His journey took him from walking long distances to attend Kigezi High School to higher learning at St Leo’s College Kyegobe and Makerere University.
This educational foundation paved the way for a distinguished career in public service. Rutega served in various capacities, including assistant and district commissioner in Mbarara, Soroti, and Hoima. He also held significant roles such as private secretary to Prime Minister Milton Obote, executive director of the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), and secretary of the Bank of Uganda.
His memoir provides a unique, personal perspective on critical junctures in Uganda’s post-independence era, including delicate negotiations surrounding the “lost counties” and the “Kabaka question.” Rutega also recounts harrowing experiences during the Idi Amin regime, emphasizing the role of his faith in navigating periods of fear and uncertainty.
Throughout the narrative, faith is presented as a guiding constant, underpinning his gratitude for opportunities, protection from danger, and the relationships that shaped his life. The book also highlights the vital role of his wife of 63 years, Freda Rutega, and their family, underscoring the importance of home and personal values amidst public life and national challenges.
Rutega’s reflections offer valuable lessons on perseverance, integrity, leadership, and the significance of personal history. ‘Then Sings My Soul’ serves as a testament to a life lived with faith, humility, and a deep sense of service, leaving readers with enduring insights into resilience and gratitude.