Pr. Fred Musisi was born on 24th May 1966, a date he came to know through a defining historical moment—the day the central government army attacked Mengo Palace, a day deeply etched in the memory of the Baganda people. It was during his early years living with his aunt and grandmother that he began to understand the significance of both his birthdate and his life story.

According to his aunt, Pr. Fred fell critically ill at just three months old. His parents, overwhelmed and helpless, took him to his grandparents, believing they had lost all hope. By the time he arrived, his condition was dire—his skin would stick to the cloth he was wrapped in whenever he was lifted. His caregivers tried every herbal remedy suggested to them while also making exhausting six-mile journeys on foot to the hospital. Remarkably, despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, his aunt recalls that he gradually began to heal—something she describes as nothing short of a miracle.

When Pr. Fred had regained his health, his father returned and shockingly asked his grandmother, “The child we brought here, where did you bury him?” Offended yet composed, she replied, “Would your son die and we fail to tell you?” She then called Pr. Fred to greet his father. At the time, he was puzzled—having grown up without a father figure, he found it hard to believe that the man before him was truly his dad, especially after seeing his peers receive affection and special care from theirs.

During one school holiday, Pr. Fred was taken to live with his mother, where he met her and his elder brother for the first time. He describes his mother as strong-willed and firm—her word was final. However, he noticed a painful difference in how he was treated compared to his brother. When his elder brother misbehaved, she addressed him by name. When Pr. Fred did the same, she referred to him as “the child of Nabona”—his aunt—an experience that left a lasting emotional mark.

His education was fully supported by his aunt and grandmother. His first school was humble—classes were held under a tree, with a blackboard leaning against its trunk. Later, his aunt transferred him to Bukola Primary School, located three miles away from home. Each school day, they packed leftovers for him to eat. Despite this support, Pr. Fred often cried on his way to school—so much so that the entire village knew him for it. Yet once he reached school, he would wipe away his tears and attend class.

His aunt once questioned why he cried despite performing well academically—a question that unfortunately earned him punishment at school. Still, her love and care never wavered, filling the gap left by his parents’ absence.

One memorable incident involved pupils being sent to collect stones. On his way, the banana fibers tying his stones loosened, causing them to scatter. He broke down in tears—unaware that his aunt was nearby digging. Seeing him, she asked if he still wanted to attend school and sent him back home, later disciplining him. From then on, Pr. Fred learned to cry only after walking a distance away from home.

At home, a radio became a powerful source of inspiration. He loved two particular programs—not for their content, but because they featured song-style advertisements. From that moment, he dreamed of one day hearing his own name on the radio.

In Primary Three, during a school speech day, Pr. Fred stood out in the choir for his drumming skills. A teacher introduced a poem competition, promising that the best performer would present it on speech day. Pr. Fred excelled, recited the poem confidently, and was rewarded with money. That experience deepened his love for performance and strengthened his desire for public recognition.

His primary school only went up to Primary Four, and continuing to Primary Five to Seven meant walking an even longer distance. Despite the challenge, his aunt went above and beyond—arranging for people to escort him to school before sunrise. He recalls that in his entire village, he was the only child to reach Primary Five, a milestone he attributes entirely to his aunt’s sacrifice and determination.

Today, Pr. Fred Musisi looks back with deep gratitude, recognizing that his resilience, faith, and purpose were shaped by hardship, love, and the unwavering support of those who refused to give up on him.