Recently, former Miss Uganda, Oliver Nakakande was hosted on NTV Uganda on a Gospel show where she talked some shocking things about her encounter with the actual devil. We decided to write down the full conversation for you here so that you can understand everything that she said she went through.
Also read about the winners of Miss Uganda 2024
Oliver Nakakande: How I met the devil in hell. (Full Conversation from NTV GXP)
Host: And today, we sit down with the former queen, Miss Uganda 2019 to 2021, Miss Oliver Nakakande. Welcome to GXP! It’s such a great honor to have you here.
Oliver Nakakande: Thank you for having me, NTV GXP. I’m happy to be here, and hello to all the viewers.
Host: Wow! I’m really excited to be with you again. I know we’ve met before on totally different occasions, but now here we are. And it’s all about making Jesus famous, right?
Oliver: Right!
Host: Seeing a former beauty pageant queen here to share her story is very inspiring. We must say, you are indeed a beauty with brains, a beauty with a purpose, and most importantly, someone with godliness in you.
Oliver: Thank you so much.
Who is Oliver Nakakande?
Host: You’re very welcome. Let’s begin with this: Who is Oliver Nakakande, and how did you become a household name in Uganda?
Oliver: Well, Oliver Nakakande is—oh my God—a whole package! [Laughs]
But briefly, I’m Ugandan, and I held the title of Miss Uganda from 2019 to 2021. I got into the pageant after being pushed into it. Fame wasn’t something I sought after, but the people around me encouraged me, saying, “Hey, we believe you can make a great Miss Uganda. We believe in what you stand for—your advocacy, your love for supporting teenage mothers, and all that.”
So, that’s how I became Miss Uganda. But beyond that, I wear many hats. I’m a show host and have hosted events worldwide. I’m a real estate agent selling property in Dubai, a model in Dubai, and recently, I became an author with my book The Escape: How I Ran from Shame to Fame.
Host: That’s incredible! Before we talk about your book, let’s dive into your upbringing, which is a big part of your story. What was life like for you growing up?
Oliver Nakakande: Oh, I think, like many Ugandan girls—or Ugandans in general—life was full of struggles. For most families here, the struggles could be financial, mental, or otherwise. I grew up facing all of these challenges.
But I must say, by the grace of God, here I am today. Looking back, I realize everything had to happen for me to get to where I am now. I’m not sad about my story because it shaped who I am.
I had to work really hard. In fact, I’ll share something for the first time—I had to sell toys at events as a child to raise money for my tuition. Some people see me now and think I come from a wealthy, happy family, but that wasn’t the case. However, I have built that life for myself now.
Host: Wow, that’s so inspiring. To all the young girls watching, if you feel ashamed to start small, this story is for you. Can you imagine Oliver Nakakande selling toys to make ends meet?
Oliver: Exactly.
Host: So, Oliver, tell us, how did you get into the Miss Uganda beauty pageant, and what was your experience like before and during the competition?
Host: So, right before getting crowned, what was the experience like?
Oliver Nakakande: Well, at the time, I was living in Dubai as a first-year marketing student at Middlesex University. I remember seeing Queen Abena, who had just been crowned Miss Uganda and Miss Africa, and I thought, Wow, this lady is so inspiring. She’s young, and she’s achieved so much. Something in my spirit told me, You can do this too.
I remembered the voices of my parents, relatives, and friends who often said, “You could make a great model and a great pageant queen.” I had always been passionate about advocacy. Whenever I came back to Uganda, I would visit slums and orphans, especially in Katale-Muyenga. So, I decided, since I was going to Uganda for my summer break, I would audition for Miss Uganda.
That’s how it all started. Interestingly, I wasn’t even invited to the audition because they usually call you back if you’re shortlisted. But somehow, God made a way for me. It was as if He was saying, You belong there, you’re Miss Uganda.
I auditioned, made it to the top 22, and then we went into boot camp. The rest, as they say, is history.
Host: Had you already given your life to Christ at that time?
Oliver: Oh, yes. I gave my life to Christ 11 years ago.
Host: What was it like being a beauty queen and a Christian?
Oliver: To be honest, at that time, I was one of those lost sheep. I was very confused and far from God’s purpose for me. Looking back now, I see how much grace I’ve received recently, but back then, I didn’t really know what I was doing.
As a Christian and a beauty queen, I still had compassion and practiced certain traits of my faith. I even ended up winning Miss Congeniality in boot camp because the girls loved me. However, I didn’t talk much about Jesus during that time, even though everyone knew I was a Christian and loved Him.
Host: What do you mean by saying you were a lost sheep? Could you elaborate so our viewers can understand?
Oliver Nakakande: I wasn’t just “somehow” lost—I was 100% lost. God was trying to give me direction, but I didn’t fully grasp it then.
I gave my life to Christ 11 years ago, but at the time, I didn’t believe in or understand the Holy Spirit. I didn’t have the grace I now experience. Despite that, God remained faithful. He helped me become Miss Uganda, travel abroad, and secure great jobs. But spiritually, I still lacked. I didn’t have the relationship with the Holy Spirit that I have now. Looking back, I see that God was preparing me for where I am today.
What was it like for Olivia Nakakande to be Miss Uganda for 2 straight years?
Host: That’s really powerful. Before we dive deeper into your current journey of living a holistic life, let’s go back to your time as Miss Uganda. What was it like to hold the title for two years, especially since it’s usually a one-year reign? Did you ever feel like giving up?
Oliver: Oh, Carol, it was tough. Really tough. This is actually the first time I’m speaking about it.
I became the “pandemic queen.” My reign was hit by COVID-19, and everything came to a standstill. Yet, society still had very high expectations of me, even though the whole world was in lockdown.
I was constantly pushed by my environment and community to find ways to help. I had to visit slums and identify people in need, showing the world that I genuinely cared, despite the pandemic.
I started an Instagram series called Lockdown Sessions, where I hosted some of my Miss World sisters and Mr. World to discuss various issues. But personally, I went through deep depression during that time. There was so much going on, and I felt like my potential was shrinking. I couldn’t put myself out there the way I wanted to, yet the world demanded more of me.
Host: That must have been overwhelming. But as they say, in every bad situation, there’s always a good side.
Host: So, Oliver, during those two years as Miss Uganda, what were your key achievements?
Oliver Nakakande: Oh, well, I actually built a really strong sisterhood with my Miss World sisters. During the lockdown, I hosted live sessions on Instagram where we discussed various issues like mental health, menstrual hygiene, and so much more. That period also brought me closer to my family. Honestly, I had never spent so much uninterrupted time with them before. For those nine or so months, we were home together, enjoying quality time with my parents and siblings. It was truly a blessing amidst the challenges of the lockdown.
Host: That’s such a common sentiment. The lockdown tested a lot of relationships, but it also brought people closer together. It was a time to reflect, grow, and strengthen bonds. Now, you also have a foundation. Can you tell us more about it?
Oliver: Sure. My foundation was born out of my time as Miss Uganda. When you take on the crown, you’re encouraged to choose a project or cause you’re passionate about, and mine was sex education. However, since that term sounds broad and could be misinterpreted, we narrowed it down to advocating against teenage pregnancies. My goal was to support teenage moms, giving them a second chance at education, and to address menstrual health and hygiene issues.
After my reign, I didn’t want the passion to fade, so I officially launched my foundation, which continues to focus on the same causes. It’s called the Oliver Foundation, or the Vanaka Candy Foundation.
Host: Was that during your reign, or did it all come together after?
Oliver: The foundation itself was launched after my time as Miss Uganda, but the work began during my reign.
Host: That’s amazing. But, Oliver, with so much on your plate and living abroad, how do you balance everything? How do you follow up on your projects back home in Uganda?
Oliver Nakakande: Honestly, it’s by the grace of God. I always pray to be in positions where I can be productive. Personally, I’m not someone who can focus on just one thing. I thrive on doing multiple things. Uganda is home, and while I live in Dubai, I feel my projects and passions are deeply rooted in Uganda.
I make time to return and oversee things personally, but I also have an amazing team on the ground. George and the rest of the foundation team manage the activities while I’m away. It’s a team effort, truly.
How did Olivia Nakakande turn to Christ?
Host: That’s impressive. Now, let’s talk about something personal—your turning point. Recently, I came across your story online, and I must say, it was powerful. From being a self-proclaimed party girl to posting scriptures and sharing inspirational messages, your transformation is remarkable. Can you take us through that journey?
Oliver Nakakande: Oh my, where do I even start? Are you ready for the whole story?
Host: Absolutely. We’d love to hear it all.
Oliver Nakakande: Okay, I’ll try to keep it short. This was a major turning point in my life, and honestly, I didn’t see it coming. As a Christian for the past 11 years, I thought I understood spirituality and faith. I believed in God, but I hadn’t experienced His power firsthand in the way I did during this incident.
We all experience God’s grace daily, but often we ignore it or take it for granted. However, when you’re thrust into a spiritual confrontation, it changes everything.
I found myself in an unfortunate situation involving people I thought were my friends. They invited me to their home and offered me tea—or at least that’s what I thought it was. In reality, it wasn’t tea at all.
Host: Wait—what do you mean by that?
Oliver: It turned out to be something much darker. That tea was laced with something harmful. I unknowingly partook in what I now understand to be a spiritual attack.
Host: Wow. That must have been terrifying.
Oliver: It was. That moment threw me into a spiritual battle I never thought I’d face. But it also became my turning point. It was in that darkness that I truly encountered the power of God. He rescued me and set me on a new path, one where I’m fully committed to my faith and purpose.
Host: That’s incredible. It’s always amazing how God uses even the darkest moments to bring about transformation.
Oliver Nakakande: Absolutely. That experience taught me to never underestimate the power of prayer and God’s protection. It was a painful lesson, but it brought me closer to Him and reshaped my life completely.
Host: Thank you for sharing that. Your story is a testament to resilience and faith. We’ll dive deeper into this journey after the break. Stay with us.
Host: “So, Oliver, let me get this straight—you drank something, and it wasn’t your regular Dutch brew?”
Did Oliver Nakakande really go to hell?
Oliver: “Oh, no. It was no ordinary drink. The moment I drank it, it felt like I’d been handed a direct ticket to hell.”
Host: “Hell? That’s… intense. You mean metaphorically, right?”
Oliver Nakakande: “I mean literally. Right after, I started hallucinating—snakes, weird creatures. And I knew, as a Christian, whatever was happening wasn’t right. The drink was evil.”
Host: “Wait, so you’re saying this drink opened some kind of spiritual door?”
Oliver: “Exactly. I wasn’t just seeing things—I was being shown things. Like, a negotiation was taking place. They dangled luxury in front of me—money, cars, designer brands—you name it. It was like a high-budget sales pitch.”
Host: “And you were… tempted?”
Oliver: “Of course! I mean, who wouldn’t be? But here’s the twist—behind every beautiful thing, God was showing me the darkness. It wasn’t a voice, it wasn’t a dream—I just knew. It was as if He was standing there saying, ‘Don’t fall for this.’”
Host: “Okay, so God was showing you the strings attached to all this ‘luxury’? And the devil was pitching his best offer?”
Oliver: “Exactly. At the end of every pitch, I had to answer yes or no. Over and over again, I kept saying no. But this wasn’t in my dreams, mind you—I was fully awake, lying on the couch, eyes open, seeing all this like a 4K movie.”
Host: “So, you’re awake, fighting a spiritual battle in someone’s living room. How do you get out of that?”
Oliver: “That’s the thing. I was so weak, dizzy, like I needed to throw up my very soul. I tried calling on God. But every time I said His name, my hosts, or whatever was in them, would crush it, like physically stop me from saying it. That’s when I realized—this is it. The name of God is my way out.”
Host: “You’re saying they knew you couldn’t call on God in their space? And yet you still tried?”
Oliver: “Oh, I didn’t just try. I fought. I begged God to help me. And He spoke to me—not in a mysterious way—He said, ‘You’re in control if you believe.’ I tried to get up, failed the first time. But the second time, with all my faith, I got up, grabbed my bag… and that’s when the chaos truly began.”
Host: “Chaos? What do you mean?”
Oliver: “There was this… thing in the house. I thought it was a cat. Turns out, it wasn’t. It was some weird, powerful creature guarding the place. It attacked me, trying to take my bag. It wasn’t natural, Host—it wasn’t an animal I can describe.”
Host: “You’re fighting some unexplainable creature while trying to leave? What were your ‘hosts’ doing?”
Oliver Nakakande: “Watching, smug, as if they believed no one could escape that room. But I kept hearing God say, ‘Keep going.’ I fought, got to the door, but the guy locked it again! I’m screaming internally, ‘God, help me!’ And He says, ‘This is your final chance. Open the door and leave.’ And I did. The moment I stepped outside, strength flowed back into my body like a miracle.”
Host: “You made it out. But what about the people chasing you?”
Oliver: “They followed me. But here’s the thing—I kept declaring, ‘Jesus is Lord. I’m a child of God.’ Over and over. And they couldn’t touch me. It was like some invisible light surrounded me, and they stayed back, terrified.”
Host: “That’s… surreal. But wait—you were running down the road in yoga pants, right?”
Oliver: “Not for long. The pants burned me. Literally burned my skin. I stripped them off in the middle of the road, completely naked, but free. It was midnight, under a full moon, and I was yelling to the heavens, ‘I belong to Jesus!’ And just like that, the devil lost his grip.”
Host: “Oliver, this is one of the most bizarre and intense stories I’ve ever heard. So what’s the takeaway for people listening to this?”
Oliver: “Don’t underestimate the power of God’s name. And trust your intuition—it could save your life. Oh, and maybe don’t drink random ‘Dutch’ brews offered by so-called friends.”
Host: “Safe to say, that’s a hard no from me. Thank you for sharing your story, Oliver. Truly chilling and inspiring.”
Host: So, Oliver, you were telling us about that powerful experience, and it’s such an intense story. I mean, it almost sounds like something out of a movie, but it’s real. So, can you walk us through it again?
Oliver: Sure. So, during that time, I found myself standing there, declaring with all my strength, “I’m a child of God. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.” And I felt this immense power I didn’t even know I had. It came from God, but I didn’t know what was going on at that moment. As I was doing this, the devil’s agents were still in my mind, communicating with me, even though I was free. It’s like they don’t just let you go. They’re still lurking, waiting for you to slip.
Host: That’s terrifying! So, these thoughts were coming to you even after you declared your faith?
Oliver Nakakande: Yes, exactly. They told me not to drive, even though I had driven there. They said, “We’ll call you a taxi.” But here’s the thing, they weren’t speaking to me out loud; they were speaking directly into my mind. It’s hard to explain, but I hope the viewers can grasp it. It sounds like something from a movie, but it was happening in my mind, and it was so real.
Host: That’s mind-blowing! So, what happened next?
Oliver: Well, when they mentioned the word “taxi,” instantly, at least four or five taxis appeared. They all had double indicators, just waiting for me. I could have gotten into any of them, and I didn’t know where they’d take me. But in that moment, God spoke to me and told me not to take any of them. He told me to command them, in the mighty name of Jesus, to get out of my way. And honestly, I had never done anything like that before. I was someone who partied, had fun, knew about God, but never realized I had the power to command demons.
Host: That’s incredible! What happened when you commanded the taxis to go away?
Oliver: I pointed at the taxis and screamed, “In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, you taxis do not exist. You are illusory. Get out of my way!” And the craziest thing happened—poof, they completely vanished, just like that. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what just happened. I was left wondering, “Did I just cast out demons, and they actually disappeared?”
Host: Wow, that’s powerful! And it didn’t stop there, right?
Oliver: Right. Later on, God told me to deal with those two demons—the devil worshippers who had been trying to initiate me. So I did the same thing. I pointed at them and said, “In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, get out of my way. Leave me alone.” Within seconds, they ran from the ground floor all the way up to their bedroom on the second floor. I could see them hiding, locked away. It was like they had no power to resist.
Host: That’s amazing! You really witnessed the power of God. So, tell us, how well did you know these friends of yours?
Oliver: We met in 2022. I have a small circle, and I keep my distance sometimes, but when we met, we connected. We were friends, but to be honest, I didn’t know them that well. We had met a few times before, even shared meals, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. So, I trusted them.
Did Oliver Nakakande meet her ‘evil’ friends again?
Host: After everything you experienced, did you ever meet them again?
Oliver: Absolutely not. And to be honest, I’m avoiding them. I believe when God takes you out of something, He’s showing you that you can help others break free as well. If God tells me to reach out to them, I will. But for now, He’s told me to stay away, and I’m honoring that.
Host: That’s a wise approach. So, were your friends Ugandan, or were they from other parts of the world?
Oliver Nakakande: They were from different parts of the world, not Ugandan. And all of this happened in Dubai, but honestly, this can happen anywhere. I believe the whole world is spiritual, and there are devil agents everywhere, no matter where you are.
Host: That’s a sobering thought, but I understand what you mean. Thank you for sharing such a powerful and eye-opening story, Oliver.
Oliver: Thank you for having me. It’s a reminder that the spiritual world is very real, and we need to stay grounded in our faith.
Host: Amen to that! We’ll take a short break, but when we return, we’ll continue this fascinating conversation with Oliver. Stay with us.
Host: Wow, Oliva, this story is gripping, and I know our audience is hanging on to every word. Before the break, you shared such a surreal and intense experience—taxis vanishing, demons retreating—things many would dismiss as movie-like. But here you are, recounting it firsthand. Let’s dive deeper into this. How well did you know these friends who were at the center of this life-changing ordeal?
Oliva: Thank you for that question. Honestly, I didn’t know them deeply. We met in 2022, and while I don’t keep a huge circle, I trusted them. I’m the type who keeps friendships at a distance—when we meet, we meet, and when we don’t, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re friends.
Host: So, casual friends?
Oliva: Exactly. We’d eaten together a few times, and nothing ever seemed off. So naturally, I trusted them. But looking back, I didn’t really know them as well as I thought.
Host: That’s understandable. Now, after this encounter, did you ever meet them again?
Oliva: Absolutely not.
Host: Okay, who was avoiding who here?
Oliva: (laughs) Me. I am the one avoiding them.
Host: I see. Do you think you’ll ever be ready to meet them again?
Oliver Nakakande: At the moment, no. Why would I even consider it? I believe that when God delivers you from something, He often wants you to stay out of that environment. However, if He tells me to look for them, I will. Right now, God speaks to me so clearly, guiding my actions. But for now, He’s told me to stay away, and that’s what I’m doing.
Host: That’s a wise decision, Oliva. Now, I’m curious about these friends—were they Ugandans, or were they from different parts of the world?
Oliver Nakakande: They were from different parts of the world, not Ugandans.
Host: And this all happened in Dubai, right?
How spiritual is the world we live in?
Oliver Nakakande: Yes, in Dubai. But let me emphasize—this kind of thing can happen anywhere in the world. The world is deeply spiritual, no matter where you are. I now understand that there are devil agents everywhere.
Host: That’s such a profound realization. Thank you for sharing this extraordinary journey. We’ll take another short break, but when we return, we’ll discuss how this experience has shaped your spiritual journey and what lessons you can share with others. Stay with us.
Host: “And now I know that the world is black and white. You either choose the darkness or you choose the light. There is no in-between. In-between is total confusion. So this… I’ve gotten this question many times—was it Uganda? Was it Dubai? You know, it was Dubai. But it could happen anywhere. The location doesn’t matter. When the devil wants your soul, he will place the agents right next to you—maybe close to you, through your friends, through the people you eat with, or hang around with. So, let’s go back to that drink.”
Oliver Nakakande: “Was it like a dinner? Was it drinks laid on the table? What exactly was it? Was it a special drink?”
Host: “It was for them. They mentioned it was a tea that was supposed to calm me down and soothe me. You know, I quit drinking a long time ago, and I had been drinking a lot of tea. But I had never heard of or thought of a tea that ‘relaxes you.’ The way they mentioned it, I thought, ‘This sounds like a drug.’ It didn’t sound like a normal tea.
My heart told me to question it, to look at the tea and read it. But I tried. It was written in—I think—a Russian language, so I couldn’t understand much. God tried to warn me, but I think I was in. And I think God wanted me to learn a lesson. And I did learn my lesson.”
Oliver: “Yeah. So what does that say about choosing your friends? Should we always pray for the people we meet in our lives? Or do we just bump into people, get to know them, and later pray for them? What does that say about choosing friends?”
Host: “You know, we need each other, and that’s a fact. But after that incident, I didn’t want to think about making friends anymore. I thought, ‘I’m better off alone—who should I trust?’ I was traumatized. Deeply traumatized. But I believe if you ask God about the people you meet—or before you meet them—He will connect you with the right people who have good intentions. I also believe we, as Christians, should strive to have real Christian friends. I mean, we can have other friends too, but…”
Oliver Nakakande: “Christian friends, yes. Before, I didn’t care about someone’s religion, their sexuality, or whatever. But now I care. I will ask, ‘Where are you from? Do you believe in God? Which God?’ Because people say they believe in God, but it could be a different god. Do you believe in Jesus? We’ll take it from there. Then I’ll pray and ask God about the relationship. Maybe God will say, ‘Oh, she’s Muslim but a good person.’ Okay, then we move forward.”
Host: “How long did it take for you to come to terms with yourself? From the stories I’ve shared here with guests, I know it takes time. You’re traumatized and living in fear. How long did it take you to bounce back? How did you even sleep alone in your apartment?”
Oliver: “It was hard. I went through a whole spiritual cleansing. For four days straight, I had visions every day. I asked God, ‘I don’t want bad dreams. Don’t take me into the spiritual world while I’m sleeping.’ He answered me—I had peaceful nights. But during the day, God showed me everything, like a movie, about the people around me and the questions in my head. He guided me to get rid of items in my house.
I threw out about 85% of my wardrobe, perfumes, bags—everything God showed me had hidden signs and symbols. My relatives were shocked and said, ‘But those are expensive!’ I said, ‘God told me to throw them away.’ God also cleansed my relationships. He told me who to let go of and who to draw closer to. I repented and asked for forgiveness. It’s been a journey of listening to God.”
Oliver Nakakande: “He told me not to worry. And now I don’t worry. I sleep well at night. I’m not afraid of the devil anymore. Now I know the devil is afraid of me because I’m a child of God. The devil uses fear to gain access, but when you face him with faith, he flees. That’s how I deal with him. By the grace of God, I win.”
How I Ran from Shame to Fame – A Book by Oliver Nakakande
Oliver: “And, you know, I talk about this journey in my book, The Escape: How I Ran From Shame to Fame. It’s my life story—from childhood, through trauma, and becoming who I am now. It’s meant to inspire young girls who feel trapped, to show them that they can rise above their circumstances.”
Host: “That’s amazing. Where can people find the book?”
Oliver: “In Uganda, it’s available at Aristoc Bookstores. For those abroad, it’s on Amazon. Just search for the title, The Escape.”
Host: “Thank you so much, Oliver, for sharing your story and inspiring others. And we look forward to The Escape Part 2!”
Oliver: “Thank you for having me.”
