The power of forgiveness and reconciliation – Uganda National Prayer Breakfast- 2025
Yes, “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation- Matthew 18:21-35, “ was the theme of the National Prayer Breakfast 2025, held on, 8th October 2025, at State House, Entebbe, and the President and First Lady were the hosts.
It was a deeply moving event filled with powerful praise, worship, testimonies, and preaching. Among all the moments, the testimony of Hon. Chris Rwakasisi (now 86 years old) stood out the most.
Hon. Rwakasisi, who once served as a high-ranking/powerful minister in President Obote’s government, shared his journey of transformation. He was arrested during the 1984/1985 coup of the late Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa. Hon. Rwakasisi spent 25 years on death row in Luzira Maximum Prison, in total isolation. He shared that, at the time, he harbored deep hatred toward both God and President Museveni. In his isolation cell, he found a discarded Bible, which he initially used as a pillow. Out of boredom, he eventually began reading the very “pillow” he had been sleeping on, not realising it would later transform his life.
At first, he read the Bible just to pass time, not understanding much, but as he continued, the Word of God began to make sense. Eventually, he gave his life to Christ while still in prison.
When the day came for his execution, President Museveni, who had the authority to sign his death sentence, said he prayed first before signing, and heard a voice instructing him not to sign. He obeyed that divine voice and instead extended forgiveness and mercy. Hon. Rwakasisi was released by the President in 2009 after 25 years in prison, later reinstated into society, and has since served as a Senior Presidential Advisor. He publicly thanked God for his release from Prison and the President’s forgiving heart.
In his remarks, President Museveni confirmed the testimony of Hon. Rwakasisi and reminded everyone to avoid evil and manage anger, no matter the offense. He emphasized that forgiveness and doing what is right invite God’s favor, saying that in his leadership role, he has chosen not to seek vengeance against those who wronged him, and believes this is why God has preserved his life.
This message is a powerful reminder that forgiveness and reconciliation are divine virtues that free both the offender and the offended.
Let us all learn from this profound example. What a testimony!!
Note:
The Keynote Speaker was Bishop J.B. Masinde of Deliverance Church Umoja, Kenya. Bishop Masinde delivered a powerful message on the power of the tongue in enhancing forgiveness, reconciliation, and tolerance. He encouraged all of us to become ministers of reconciliation by using our tongues (words) faithfully, constructively, and positively.
He reminded us of the simple yet transformative phrases that carry the power to heal and restore relationships: “I am sorry,” “I forgive you,” “Please,” “God bless you,” and to spouses, he added the tender words, “I love you” and “Okay, dear.”
Indeed, such simple words can be truly magical in the journey of forgiveness and reconciliation.
First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni closed the session with a deeply moving prayer, lifting the nation before God.
Choose forgiveness, embrace reconciliation, and walk in tolerance.
As captured by:
Mercy K. Kainobwisho
Advocate – Courts of Judicature
Email: mercykains@yahoo.com
8th October 2025