By: Boy Fidel Leon
President Yoweri Museveni stood before the 27th National Prayer Breakfast at State House, Entebbe, and did something politicians rarely do: he told stories about times he chose mercy over revenge, and lived to see those choices vindicated.
The theme was “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation,” and for once, it wasn’t just words on a banner. Chris Rwakasisi was sitting in the room, a man Museveni had once held the power to execute, and didn’t. Rwakasisi’s survival, and his testimony that morning, turned an abstract concept into flesh and blood.
Museveni praised Parliament for maintaining the National Prayer Breakfast tradition, describing it as vital for uniting the country through faith and reflection.
He traced the event’s origins to the United States during a period of internal conflict, when leaders turned to prayer to bridge divisions.
“Maama and I attended a prayer breakfast in the United States, where we learned it started during times of war, when leaders were not speaking to each other,” he said. “I’m glad Uganda has continued this tradition, please don’t abandon it.”
Then he went personal. He recalled moments from the liberation struggle when principle overrode expedience. After winning a battle, General Kahinda Otafiire suggested hiding weapons in case the UPC government betrayed them. Museveni refused. “It would have been treacherous,” he said.
He also refused to kill Oyite Ojok, Obote’s top commander, despite having the opportunity. When Rwakasisi’s case landed on his desk, Museveni prayed about whether to sign the execution order. “The voice came: ‘No, do not sign it,’” he recounted.
That decision was widely misunderstood. People thought he was naive, soft, weak. “That’s why you hear I started with only twenty-seven guns,” Museveni said. “But the NRA fight was open, we did not poison or kill people arbitrarily. Rwakasisi’s survival is testimony. It’s good that both of us are alive to share these lessons.”
First Lady Janet Museveni delivered the closing prayer, calling on Ugandans to embrace forgiveness as the country prepares to celebrate its 63rd Independence Anniversary. Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son, she reminded the audience of God’s unfailing love and willingness to forgive.
She addressed broader issues facing Uganda and Africa: corruption, tribalism, disunity, and political intrigue that hinder progress. As Uganda heads toward another election season, she appealed to leaders to demonstrate unity even in political competition.
Chris Rwakasisi’s testimony was the emotional centre of the event. Once imprisoned and pardoned by Museveni in 2009, he opened with humour before declaring his purpose was to glorify Jesus throughout his journey.
“Forgiveness is not a favour. It is a command,” he said, warning that bitterness is self-destructive. “Not forgiving is like bringing poison, hoping the enemy you hate will die.”
Rwakasisi recounted his fall from grace after being sidelined by former President Milton Obote. Pride and power led him away from God until imprisonment forced reflection. Initially, he confessed to praying for Museveni’s death.
“The more I prayed for Museveni to die, the more he flourished,” he said. Then the Holy Spirit reminded him that one who does not forgive will never be forgiven. “I changed my prayer from hate to love.”
When they met after his release, “We embraced and talked like old lost brothers. That was reconciliation.” Museveni later appointed him Special Presidential Advisor, which Rwakasisi described as evidence of true forgiveness.
The 27th National Prayer Breakfast brought together leaders from across Uganda’s political, religious, and social spectrum in a unified call for healing and national cohesion. Whether that message translates into practice remains to be seen. Prayer breakfasts are easy. Living out the prayers afterwards is harder. But Rwakasisi’s presence in that room, alive and grateful, proved it’s possible.