President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni paused their northern campaign trail to attend the 27th National Prayer Breakfast at State House, Entebbe, held under the theme: “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.” The gathering comes ahead of Uganda’s 63rd Independence celebrations.
Museveni urged Ugandans to make forgiveness and reconciliation central to national unity, stressing their importance in fostering cohesion amid cultural diversity and political challenges.
“People thought I was naïve; that’s why you hear I started with twenty-seven guns. The NRA fight was an open fight—not killing people, not poisoning people,” the President recounted, reflecting on his bush war experiences.
💡 Lessons from History and Personal Experience
The President emphasized blending Uganda’s traditional values with Christian teachings and other faiths, advocating for an approach to accountability guided by principle and faith rather than punishment alone.
Museveni shared moments from the bush war, including sparing the life of former army commander Oyite Ojok and resisting calls to retain weapons for future conflicts, highlighting the role of mercy and justice in leadership.
He also praised Chris Rwakasisi, who survived imprisonment, reconciled with the government, and now serves as Special Presidential Advisor, as an example of true forgiveness in action.
✝️ First Lady’s Call for Healing
Closing the event, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who also serves as Minister of Education and Sports, delivered a prayer urging Ugandans to:
- Reflect on God’s mercy
- Restore broken relationships in families, communities, and the nation
Drawing on the parable of the prodigal son, she emphasized that God’s love and forgiveness provide a model for unity and reconciliation across the country.
📣 Voices of Reconciliation
- Chris Rwakasisi shared his personal journey, recounting how he initially prayed for the President’s death while in prison but later embraced love and reconciliation. His release and current advisory role underscore the power of forgiveness.
- Keynote speaker Bishop JB Masinde stressed that words should heal, not destroy, urging leaders and citizens to use speech as a tool for reconciliation.
- Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa highlighted the timeliness of the message, especially after the recent NRM party primaries, calling for unity among political leaders and citizens.
🌟 Promoting National Harmony
The National Prayer Breakfast offered a platform for spiritual renewal, reflection, and dialogue, underscoring forgiveness and reconciliation as essential ingredients for national peace, harmony, and development.
“Forgiveness and reconciliation are the foundations of our unity. They are not only spiritual values but tools for building a strong, peaceful nation,” Museveni concluded.
How are you embracing forgiveness and reconciliation in your community?
Share your thoughts and stay tuned to E Page One for updates on Uganda’s national events and leadership initiatives.
