A Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation at State House
An Unexpected Journey
Yesterday, I was honored and blessed to be among those invited to State House for the Annual Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast. At the beginning, for me, it was simply a chance to be at State House after spending so many years in a prison cell. I did not know what to expect or what I would find. I even bought a new shirt for the event.
We were welcomed with a very sumptuous brunch, which, as far as I was concerned, was more than enough. I would have gladly packed my bags and gone back home. I had no idea what was in store.
The security checks were not so bad, and in a short while, we were ushered into the main tent where the meeting was to take place. Along the way, I met a Reverend from Fort Portal, with whom I shared the experience. Inside the tent were many dignitaries and people I had only ever seen on television.
I tried to keep my composure, but when I spotted an old friend and former university roommate, Minister Bahati, who was the Chief Organizer, I had to rise from my seat to greet him.
A Testimony of Forgiveness
The highlight of the day was the testimony of my mentor and spiritual father, Mzee Cris Rwakasiisi. The theme of the day was Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
He spoke about his earlier friendship with His Excellency, the President of Uganda, and how they later fell apart due to political differences. This led to them hunting down one another, and eventually, one ended up in prison while the other became the Head of State.
These stories were new to many people, but for me, having spent almost 15 years closely with Mzee Cris, I understood his pain and emotion as he poured out his heart before the nation.
He went on to share about life in prison, how he met Christ and learned to deal with an unforgiving heart, and how he was eventually pardoned by the President. He was not only released but later appointed a Presidential Advisor, with the full benefits of a Cabinet Minister.
Grace, Healing, and Hope
The President responded graciously, sharing how he prayed to God when Mzee Cris’ death sentence was brought before him for confirmation. He explained how God told him not to sign it and reminded the nation that it was not Mzee Cris who personally murdered anyone, but the government he was working for.
I am certain this brought great relief to Mzee Cris and his family, who for a long time had lived under the agony of these accusations.
That day opened my eyes anew to the workings of God and His grace. I saw two elderly men who had taken different paths, now filled with joy and friendship. They understand the true meaning of life, unlike many of us who are still chasing after things and forgetting God and our relationships with others.
I was deeply proud of Mzee Cris for his courage and boldness in sharing his heart, and of the President for his magnanimity in accepting him and allowing the congregation to learn timeless lessons from the two of them.
We have a great country with great people.
God bless Uganda.
Magara Shadrack | Founding Director