During Uganda’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2012, President Museveni led the country in prayer. It was a remarkable prayer that covered all grounds.
The prayer had five elements. First, there was a thanksgiving. Second, was an unequivocal declaration to break clean from the past. Third, was a clear admission of sin. Fourth, the President asked God for a new beginning. Finally, he dedicated Uganda to God.
We’re heading for a defining moment. A test awaits. Will the tectonic plates that make Uganda stick together or will they drift apart? Will Ugandans see something that has been elusive – namely a peaceful change of government? Will we have an army that lasts beyond the lifespan of one regime? These are the big questions.
Museveni is now in his 34th year as president of Uganda. His conduct since the day he uttered those profound words of prayer have been contrary to the spirit of that prayer. He will be judged by God based on that prayer.
But it is never too late. Heaven is for repentant sinners. President Museveni should reclaim his legacy and adhere to the spirit of that great prayer. Here is a reminder of that prayer in full:
“Father God in heaven, today we stand here as Ugandans, to thank you for Uganda. We are proud that we are Ugandans and Africans. We thank you for all your goodness to us.
“I stand here today to close the evil past and especially in the last 50 years of our national leadership history and at the threshold of a new dispensation in the life of this nation. I stand here on my own behalf and on behalf of my predecessors to repent. We ask for your forgiveness.
“We confess these sins, which have greatly hampered our national cohesion and delayed our political, social and economic transformation.
“We confess the sins of idolatry and witchcraft which are rampant in our land. We confess sins of shedding innocent blood, sins of political hypocrisy, dishonesty, intrigue, and betrayal.
“Forgive us of sins of pride, tribalism, and sectarianism; sins of laziness, indifference, and irresponsibility; sins of corruption and bribery that have eroded our national resources; sins of sexual immorality, drunkenness, and debauchery; sins of unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, and revenge; sins of injustice, oppression, and exploitation; sins of rebellion, insubordination, strife, and conflict.
“These sins and many others have characterized our past leadership, especially the last 50 years of our history. Lord forgive us and give us a new beginning. Give us the heart to love you, to fear you and to seek you. Take away from us all the above sins.
Source: PML
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