Museveni Spills Rwakasisi Pardon Secrets: “I Went Alone and Prayed, a Voice Said, Don’t Hang Him”

UG Diplomat | Entebbe, Uganda — October 8, 2025

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Parliament of Uganda for maintaining the tradition of the National Prayer Breakfast, saying such gatherings play a vital role in fostering unity and reflection among Ugandans.

Speaking at the 27th National Prayer Breakfast held at State House, Entebbe, under the theme “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation,” President Museveni noted that the practice of prayer breakfasts originated in the United States during wartime divisions when leaders sought to promote dialogue through faith.

“Maama and myself 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,” the President said.

The President thanked Hon. Chris Rwakasisi for his moving testimony and Bishop JB Masinde for his sermon, which emphasized forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation in personal and public life.

Reflecting on Uganda’s diversity, President Museveni urged citizens to harmonize cultural values with Christianity and other faiths. Drawing from his wartime experiences, he shared moments where he chose forgiveness and moral restraint over vengeance.

“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. And the voice came, ‘No, do not sign it,’” Museveni recalled, adding that accountability need not always be punitive.

He explained that his leadership during the NRA struggle was guided by principle and faith, rejecting acts of vengeance.

“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 or poisoning people,” he said.

President Museveni encouraged Ugandans to focus on the positive aspects of their country’s 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,” he added.

First Lady Calls for Forgiveness and National Healing

In her closing prayer, 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.

“This is a moment of gratitude to God for the miraculous way He has carried us through this year and brought us safely to another Independence celebration,” she said.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni

Referencing the biblical parable of the prodigal son, Maama Janet reminded Ugandans that God’s love and forgiveness extend to all, and that the nation must confront challenges such as corruption, tribalism, and division with humility and repentance.

“Whether it is corruption, wars, political intrigue, or sectarianism — all these serve to divide our communities and bring suffering to our people,” she said.

The First Lady prayed for peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and urged African-led solutions to conflicts across the continent.

As Uganda approaches the next election season, she appealed for political maturity and unity among leaders:

“May we as leaders lead by example and show that we can disagree politically but still remain united as Ugandans.”

She concluded with a prayer for a spiritual awakening and national revival, saying Uganda’s healing depends on turning back to God.

“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.

Rwakasisi’s Powerful Testimony on Forgiveness

Hon. Chris Rwakasisi, who was pardoned by President Museveni in 2009 after years in prison, shared an emotional testimony about forgiveness, recounting how he transformed hatred into prayer and love.

“Forgiveness is not a favor but a command. Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison hoping your enemy will die,” he said.

Rwakasisi narrated how he once prayed for Museveni’s death but later found peace after forgiving him.

“The more I prayed for Museveni to die, the more he flourished. When I changed my prayer from hate to love, things started to ease.”

He recalled his eventual release, reconciliation with the President, and appointment as a Special Presidential Advisor, which he described as proof of true forgiveness. He also conveyed inmates’ appeals for clemency and thanked the President for not signing any death sentences since 1995.

“You who want to fight Museveni, fight him. Me, I will not fight him,” he said, emphasizing that forgiveness is strength, not weakness.

Bishop Masinde and Tayebwa Emphasize Reconciliation

Keynote speaker Bishop JB Masinde urged Ugandans to guard their words, noting that the tongue holds the power to build or destroy relationships.

“True reconciliation begins with humility and the willingness to speak peace,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa said the day’s sermon resonated deeply, especially after the NRM party’s recent primaries.

“The message of forgiveness and reconciliation is timely and necessary for restoring relationships among leaders and strengthening unity within the party and the nation,” Tayebwa noted.