When a voice told President Museveni, ‘no, don’t sign’ the papers to kill Rwakasisi

President Yoweri Museveni made a startling revelation at the 27th National Prayer Breakfast, recounting how a “voice” intervened to prevent him from signing the execution warrant for former Security Minister Chris Rwakasisi. The powerful testimony underscored the event’s theme: “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.”

Speaking at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni shared the deeply personal account regarding Chris Rwakasisi, who spent 24 years on death row. “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,” the President told attendees. “And the voice came, ‘No, do not sign it.’ Accountability is not always punitive, but the other side can come and negotiate and okuhonga, which means to pay for the mistakes.”

Chris Rwakasisi, a prominent figure under President Milton Obote’s regime, had been sentenced to death for crimes, including kidnap, allegedly committed during his tenure as a government official. He was eventually pardoned by President Museveni in January 2009, a decision that now appears rooted in this profound spiritual experience.

Rwakasisi was present at the breakfast and delivered a powerful testimony earlier that morning, which President Museveni gratefully acknowledged. “The witness of Rwakasisi is very good. It is good that he has stayed alive, and I have stayed alive so that we can tell you these stories,” the President remarked, highlighting the living embodiment of the day’s theme.

The President lauded the Parliament of Uganda for maintaining the tradition of the National Prayer Breakfast, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering national unity through faith and collective reflection.

This year’s gathering resonated deeply with Bishop JB Masinde’s sermon, which passionately advocated for forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation in both personal and public spheres.

President Museveni praised Bishop Masinde’s message, noting that its emphasis on gratitude and forgiveness should guide the nation. “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.”

Reflecting on Uganda’s rich cultural diversity, President Museveni urged citizens to seek harmonious ways of blending traditional values with Christianity and other faiths.

Delivering the closing prayer, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni called upon Ugandans to embrace forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation as the country gears up to celebrate its 63rd Independence anniversary.

She urged the nation to reflect on God’s enduring mercy and the vital need to mend broken relationships within families, communities, and the nation at large.

The First Lady described the breakfast as a moment of profound gratitude to God “for the miraculous way He has carried us through the course of this year and brought us safely to yet another Independence celebration.”

As Uganda approaches another election season, Mrs. Museveni made a poignant appeal to leaders, urging them to demonstrate unity and maturity even amidst political competition.

“May we as leaders lead by example and show that we can disagree politically but still remain united as Ugandans,” she concluded, encapsulating the enduring message of the day.