When 47-year-old Rose Namakula was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer last year, her life took a devastating turn. Doctors warned her family that her chances of survival were slim. But today, she stands as a picture of health — and her story has stirred conversations about faith, healing, and the limits of medical science.
After several months of treatment at Nsambya Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, Namakula’s condition worsened. The cancer had spread through her oesophagus, making it impossible for her to eat or even swallow saliva.
“She couldn’t take in anything. The doctors suggested inserting a feeding tube to keep her alive,” said her son, who spoke to this publication. “At that point, we had lost all hope. We even prepared for her burial.”
However, when medical options seemed exhausted, her son persuaded her to seek prayers at Holy City Entebbe, a faith-based ministry led by Bro Ronnie Makabai.
According to Namakula, during a prayer session at the church, she felt “something moves” in her throat — and moments later, she could swallow water without pain. “It felt unreal. For the first time in months, I could drink and breathe freely,” she recalled.
Her family says she regained strength within days and was able to walk again. Follow-up tests at the Uganda Cancer Institute reportedly showed no trace of the disease.
Medical officials, while unable to confirm the cause of her recovery, acknowledged that spontaneous remission — though extremely rare — can occur in some cancer patients. “Medicine doesn’t have all the answers,” said one doctor, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. “What’s important is that the patient is healthy and well.”
Holy City Entebbe has since highlighted Namakula’s case as evidence of divine healing, though health experts urge caution. “Faith plays a crucial role in emotional resilience,” said Dr. Miriam Akello, a Kampala-based oncologist. “But patients should continue seeking professional care even as they pray.”
For Namakula, the experience has renewed her faith and inspired others in similar struggles. “I believe God gave me another chance at life,” she said during a thanksgiving service at the church. “My message to everyone fighting illness is — don’t give up.”
Whether viewed as a miracle or a medical mystery, her story continues to draw attention across Uganda, reminding many of the complex intersection between faith, science, and hope.
