By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
Entebbe, Uganda – October 8, 2025: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and gratitude as essential virtues for building a united and peaceful nation.
The President made the appeal while addressing the 27th National Prayer Breakfast, held at State House, Entebbe, under the theme “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.” The annual event, organized by the Parliament of Uganda, brought together political leaders, members of the clergy, and other dignitaries for a time of reflection, worship, and national dialogue.
President Museveni commended Parliament for maintaining the prayer breakfast tradition, noting that such gatherings play a vital role in uniting the country through faith and moral reflection.
“I am glad that you have sustained it and don’t abandon it,” he said, recalling that the concept of national prayer breakfasts began in the United States during wartime, when leaders turned to prayer to overcome division and conflict.
The President shared personal experiences illustrating the importance of mercy and integrity in leadership, citing his decision during the bush war not to execute opponents or hide weapons for future revenge. “People thought I was naïve, but our fight was open not killing people, not poisoning people. The NRA was guided by principle,” he said.
He further commended Hon. Chris Rwakasisi for his testimony of forgiveness and Bishop JB Masinde for a powerful sermon on the need to heal broken relationships. “Even if there are bad things about your country, find some good things and talk about them,” Museveni said. “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 reflect on the power of reconciliation as the country prepares to celebrate 63 years of Independence.
She drew from the biblical story of the prodigal son, describing it as a lesson on God’s unfailing love and the need for forgiveness in families, communities, and governance.
“In spite of the selfishness and irresponsibility of the prodigal son, the loving father never gave up on him. 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 said.
The First Lady also expressed concern over ongoing challenges such as corruption, tribalism, political strife, and disunity, urging Ugandans to work together to overcome them. “Often, we are selfish and myopic all these serve to divide our communities and bring suffering to our people,” she said.
She also prayed for peace in conflict-hit regions like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for African-led solutions to the continent’s crises.
“As leaders, may we lead by example and show that we can disagree politically but still remain united as Ugandans,” she emphasized, appealing for a spirit of maturity and tolerance ahead of Uganda’s next election cycle.
Hon. Chris Rwakasisi, who was pardoned by President Museveni in 2009 after years in prison, delivered one of the day’s most emotional testimonies.
“Forgiveness is not a favor; it is a command,” he said. “Not forgiving is like bringing poison, hoping the enemy you hate will die. It is a terrible thing not to forgive.”
Rwakasisi recounted how, during his imprisonment, bitterness consumed him until he chose to forgive and pray for the President instead. “The more I prayed for him to die, the more he flourished. But when I began to pray for his well-being, things started to ease,” he shared.
He described his eventual release and reconciliation with President Museveni as evidence of divine grace and genuine forgiveness. “We embraced and talked like old lost brothers,” he recalled.
A Call for Renewal and National Healing
In his sermon, Bishop JB Masinde emphasized that forgiveness begins with the words people speak and the humility they show. “The tongue holds the power to build or destroy relationships. Use it for peace,” he urged.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, commended the prayer breakfast for its timely message, especially as the NRM party and the nation navigate a politically charged period. “The message of forgiveness and reconciliation is timely for restoring relationships and strengthening unity within the party and the country,” he said.
As the gathering closed, leaders joined in prayer for Uganda’s continued peace and progress, committing to foster understanding, compassion, and faith-driven unity.
Background
The National Prayer Breakfast was first held in 1998, inspired by the U.S. tradition of prayer breakfasts that promote moral reflection and nonpartisan unity. Over the years, Uganda’s version has evolved into a key platform for dialogue on values, faith, and national healing.
The 2025 event, themed “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation,” aligns with Uganda’s Independence Week celebrations and underscores the nation’s call for peace, tolerance, and shared purpose as it looks to the future.