Irene Uwoya: From Bongo movie star to preacher

Dar es Salaam. Bongo movie actress Irene Uwoya has revealed that trials, fears, nightmares, and visions led her to her current path as a preacher.

She made this revelation in a recent video clip posted on YouTube, addressing fans’ questions about her dramatic transformation.

In the video, Uwoya opens up about the ups and downs of her life, including personal trials, dreams, visions, sudden illness, and financial stress.

She explains that her decision to dedicate herself to God came after significant life challenges.

Trials and transformation

Uwoya, known for her roles in various Swahili films, admits that while she was involved in church activities, she wasn’t truly dedicated. “I attended church occasionally but wasn’t fully committed. My profession took precedence over my faith,” she says. “However, the trials I faced in life led me to a deeper commitment to God.”

‘Friends of God’

Addressing a picture she posted on Instagram with the caption ‘Friends of God,’ Uwoya explains that this refers to the significant challenges she and others face as part of their spiritual journey.

“It started without my planning. God wanted to do it Himself. ‘Friends of God’ symbolises the transformative challenges we encounter,” she explains.

Church ownership clarification

Uwoya clarifies rumours that she owns a church, stating, “I don’t own a church. God hasn’t given me that approval yet, despite the rumors. I hope it may be true in the future, as God sometimes uses people to make His plans a reality.”

Vision and guidance

Uwoya recounts a vision during prayer instructing her to fast in the mountains for three days. “Initially, I questioned whether the vision was genuine or just imagination,” she says.

After confirming the vision, she travelled to Arusha with her directors, Majag and John Elisha, to fast and seek God’s guidance. “During the fast, God spoke to me about serving Him,” Uwoya adds.

Founding ‘Friends of God’

The idea for ‘Friends of God’ emerged from a conversation with her director, Majag. “Majag positively received the idea, and together we decided to pursue it. Majag named it ‘Friends of God,’ which we embraced,” Uwoya explains.

Pastoral call

About 10 years ago, Uwoya received a call from a person claiming to be a pastor who believed God was calling her to serve. “He mentioned a dream that led him to contact me. He felt I needed to transform my life and take up God’s calling,” she recalls.

Dreams and illness

Uwoya describes a period of illness where no medical cause was found, but her heartbeat was irregular, leading to overwhelming distress.

“Despite extensive tests showing no illness, I felt my heart racing uncontrollably,” she narrates. This period was a turning point, prompting her to visit her ailing grandmother, who passed away shortly after.

Consulting Pastor Christopher Mwakasege

Following her grandmother’s death, Uwoya had a dream where a pastor warned her about falling seriously ill if she did not heed God’s call. She sought advice from Pastor Christopher Mwakasege but was initially denied access. Eventually, she was allowed in and advised to deepen her prayer life and not take God for granted. “This advice, along with encouragement from a friend, led me to attend church more regularly,” she says.

Financial struggles and peace

Uwoya reveals that despite her wealth and extravagant lifestyle, she found no peace. “I had a lot of money but lacked inner peace. I even considered giving it all away,” she says. “I realised that true peace comes from a relationship with Jesus, not material wealth.”

Uwoya concludes by expressing her satisfaction with her spiritual journey and the gradual positive changes in her life. “Returning to my old self was challenging, but I’m happier now. Things are changing slowly, and I’ve found peace through Jesus,” she adds.