You’re A Merciful Shepherd! Tayebwa Hails Museveni’s Legacy Of Peace & Forgiveness At National Prayer Breakfast

By Frank Kamuntu

State House, Entebbe —Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, delivered a stirring message of forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation during the 27th Uganda National Prayer Breakfast, held under the theme “The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.”

Speaking before an audience of political leaders, clergy, diplomats, and business figures at State House, Entebbe, Tayebwa anchored his address on the biblical Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35), urging Ugandans to embrace mercy and humility as the nation approaches another election cycle.

Quoting from scripture, he illustrated how a servant who was forgiven a massive debt by his master later failed to extend the same grace to another who owed him far less—ultimately leading to his downfall.

“This sobering account captures the fate that will befall the hard-hearted who refuse to forgive or have mercy on others,” Tayebwa said. “As we gather for the National Prayer Breakfast, it’s right to reflect that we are an imperfect lot in urgent need of mercy and forgiveness—a race of broken people here for a short while before we are summoned by the King of Kings to account for our lives.”

He emphasized that forgiveness is not merely a personal virtue, but a national necessity, especially in a country with a complex political history. Tayebwa cautioned against rekindling old divisions during the election season, noting that true leadership is demonstrated through restraint and reconciliation rather than revenge.

“As a country on the cusp of another election cycle, it’s easy to reopen old wounds or build on false promises,” he warned. “But the only way to come out of this period unscathed is to remind ourselves about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Citing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Tayebwa underscored the importance of unity, saying:

“We are tied together in a single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Because we are inevitably linked, it would be costly to keep grudges or hate one another.”

The Deputy Speaker described the National Prayer Breakfast as a vital platform for spiritual renewal and national healing, where thousands from diverse backgrounds gather in prayer and fellowship to reaffirm Uganda’s moral direction.

“Imagine over 15,000 guests from political, diplomatic, social, business, and religious circles all coming together to pray,” he said. “This is pleasing in the sight of God.”

Tayebwa praised prayer as the most powerful force for transformation, arguing that it not only strengthens spiritual life but also fosters peaceful coexistence among citizens.

“Prayer changes us from within,” he added. “It stirs in us a longing to do and be better. It leads to harmony and makes it easy for people to forgive and get along. That’s what our nation needs most at a time like this.”

Concluding his address, the Deputy Speaker called on Ugandans to heed the moral lesson in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, warning that failure to forgive is spiritually and socially detrimental.

“May we remember that forgiveness is not a weakness but a source of strength,” Tayebwa said. “Let us make manifest the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, for that is the foundation of a peaceful and blessed nation.”