President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Parliament of Uganda for sustaining the tradition of the National Prayer Breakfast, saying such gatherings are vital for uniting the country through faith and reflection.
Speaking at the 27th National Prayer Breakfast held today at State House, Entebbe, under the theme “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation,” the President said he was pleased that Uganda has consistently observed the event since its inception. He explained that the idea was inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast, which began during wartime divisions to foster national unity.
“Maama and I went to the United States for their prayer breakfast, and we were told that it started during wars when people were not talking to each other. I am glad that you have sustained it and don’t abandon it,” he said.
The President thanked Hon. Chris Rwakasisi for his powerful testimony and Bishop JB Masinde for a sermon that emphasised forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation in both personal and public life. He urged Ugandans to blend their cultural values with Christian teachings to strengthen social harmony.
Reflecting on his experiences during the bush war, the President shared lessons on justice guided by faith and conscience. He recalled rejecting a proposal by Gen. Kahinda Otafiire to hide weapons after a victory, saying it would have been treacherous, and refusing to sanction the killing of Oyite Ojok, one of Obote’s top commanders.
“When I got the case about Chris, I went somewhere in my office and prayed about it, whether to sign the document to kill him,” the President said. “And the voice came, ‘No, do not sign it.’ Accountability is not always punitive; the other side can come and negotiate and okuhonga — to pay for the mistakes.”
He noted that his approach to justice was rooted in principle rather than vengeance. “People thought I was naïve; that’s why you hear I started with twenty-seven guns,” he said. “The NRA fight was an open fight — not killing people, not poisoning people. The witness of Rwakasisi is very good. It is good that he has stayed alive, and I have stayed alive so that we can tell you these stories.”
President Museveni added that Bishop Masinde’s message on forgiveness should inspire Ugandans to focus on the positive aspects of their national journey. “Even if there are bad things about your country, find some good things and talk about them. This is a good message from Mzee Rwakasisi and Bishop Masinde.”
Delivering the closing prayer, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, urged Ugandans to embrace forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation as the nation prepares to mark its 63rd Independence anniversary. She described the gathering as a moment of gratitude to God “for the miraculous way He has carried us through the course of this year and brought us safely to yet another Independence celebration.”
Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son, Maama Janet said the story symbolises God’s unfailing love and forgiveness. “Despite the selfishness and irresponsibility of the prodigal son, the loving father never gave up on him,” she said. “This is a picture of God’s love for us and shows that He rejoices over even one soul that turns to Him in repentance.”
She also reflected on challenges facing Uganda and Africa — including corruption, tribalism, and political strife — which she said undermine unity and progress. “Often, we are selfish and myopic. Whether it is unbridled corruption, wars, political intrigue, disunity, tribalism, or sectarianism — all these serve to divide our communities and bring suffering to our people,” she said.
The First Lady prayed for peace in conflict-affected regions such as Sudan and the DRC and called for African-led solutions to the continent’s problems. She urged Ugandans to promote peace and understanding, emphasising that “true reconciliation lies in God’s guidance and the healing of hearts.”
Citing 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, she reminded the nation that God has given His people the ministry of reconciliation and encouraged Ugandans to “lay hold of divine favour and be reconciled to God” in both personal and national life.
As Uganda heads toward another election season, Maama Janet called on leaders to demonstrate maturity and unity even in political competition. “May we as leaders lead by example and show that we can disagree politically but remain united as Ugandans,” she said.
Concluding her message, she prayed for a spiritual awakening and revival across Uganda. “We pray for a spiritual awakening and revival in Uganda that will spread the light of the Gospel and bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration of our identity in Jesus Christ,” she added.
Earlier, Hon. Chris Rwakasisi, who was pardoned by President Museveni in 2009, gave a moving testimony on the transformative power of forgiveness. He shared his journey from political downfall to redemption, revealing how hatred and pride gave way to peace through prayer.
“The more I prayed for Museveni to die and his family and government, the more he flourished. But the Holy Spirit helped me, and I changed my prayer from hate to love,” he said. “I started praying for him and his family, and from there things started to ease.”
Rwakasisi said his eventual pardon and appointment as Special Presidential Advisor were evidence of true reconciliation. He thanked the President for not signing any death sentences since 1995 and conveyed a plea from inmates for clemency. “The inmates have asked me to request you to pardon them,” he said.
In his remarks, Bishop JB Masinde, the keynote speaker, reminded believers that forgiveness begins with the words they speak. He urged leaders and citizens to use their speech as a tool for healing and unity, saying true reconciliation must begin with humility.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa said the message of forgiveness and reconciliation was timely, especially following the NRM’s recent primaries. He emphasised that such messages help restore relationships among leaders and strengthen national unity.
The National Prayer Breakfast, now in its 27th year, continues to serve as a platform for reflection, reconciliation, and prayer for Uganda’s peace and progress.
