President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as vital pillars for peace, unity, and progress.
Speaking during the 27th National Prayer Breakfast held at State House, Entebbe, under the theme “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation,” on Wednesday President Museveni commended the Parliament of Uganda for upholding the tradition of national prayer gatherings, saying they foster national unity through faith and reflection.
“I am glad that Uganda has sustained this event since its inception,” the President said, recalling how national prayer breakfasts began in the United States during wartime divisions to promote dialogue and healing. “You have sustained it, don’t abandon it.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s cultural diversity, the President urged citizens to blend traditional values with faith-based principles to build harmony.
Drawing from his bush war experiences, President Museveni narrated moments where he chose forgiveness over revenge, saying true leadership is guided by moral conviction rather than retaliation.
“When I got the case about Chris Rwakasisi, I prayed about it, whether to sign the document to kill him and the voice came, ‘No, do not sign it,’” Museveni revealed, explaining that justice should also allow room for repentance and reconciliation.
He praised Hon. Chris Rwakasisi’s testimony and Bishop JB Masinde’s sermon for powerfully emphasizing forgiveness, tolerance, and gratitude.
“Even if there are bad things about your country, find some good things and talk about them,” the President said.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, led the closing prayer, calling on Ugandans to use the upcoming 63rd Independence anniversary as a moment to reflect on God’s mercy and the need to heal broken relationships in families and communities.
“Whether it is corruption, wars, disunity, or tribalism, all these divide our people and hinder development,” she said, urging citizens and leaders to demonstrate maturity and unity even amid political competition. “May we as leaders lead by example and show that we can disagree politically but remain united as Ugandans.”
Maama Janet also prayed for peace in conflict-affected regions such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the need for African-led solutions.
She cited 2 Corinthians 5:18–21, reminding believers that God has entrusted them with “the ministry of reconciliation.”
In his moving testimony, former minister Chris Rwakasisi, who was pardoned by President Museveni in 2009, spoke of how forgiveness transformed his life.
He recounted praying for Museveni’s downfall while in prison but later finding peace through divine revelation.
“The more I prayed for Museveni to die, the more he flourished,” Rwakasisi said. “But when I changed my prayer from hate to love, things began to ease.” He later reconciled with the President, who appointed him as a Special Presidential Advisor, a gesture he described as “true forgiveness in action.”
Bishop JB Masinde, the keynote speaker, urged Ugandans to use their words to build rather than destroy.
“The tongue has the power to heal or to harm,” he said. “True reconciliation begins with humility and the willingness to speak peace.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa commended the day’s message, noting that it came at a crucial time when the NRM party and the nation needed to restore unity after heated political primaries.
As the nation prepares to mark 63 years of independence, the President’s call for forgiveness and reconciliation stands as a timely reminder that unity remains Uganda’s greatest strength.
The Source Reports.
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