Christians celebrate martyrs day at Namugongo Anglican shrine on June 3, 2024

By: Rose Kasigwa

Ugandans will on Wednesday 3^rd June 2026 commemorate Martyrs Day in honor of the 45 Christian martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their faith, with celebrations this year held at diocesan and parish levels following the suspension of the traditional national pilgrimage to Namugongo due to the Ebola outbreak.

The annual celebration, one of the largest religious events in Africa, usually attracts millions of pilgrims from Uganda and neighboring countries to the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo. However, health concerns linked to Ebola prompted the government and religious leaders to decentralize the commemorations to local churches across the country.

Before the suspension of the national event, the Catholic celebrations at Namugongo were scheduled to be animated by the Diocese of Kasese under the leadership of Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale. On the Anglican side, Uganda Christian University (UCU) had been entrusted by the Church of Uganda to organize the celebrations.

Talking about the commemorations, the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, called on Christians to emulate the courage, faith, and commitment demonstrated by the Uganda Martyrs.

He said the martyrs remain a powerful symbol of unwavering faith and sacrifice, urging believers to remain steadfast in their Christian values despite the challenges facing society today.

Similarly, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, urged Christians to use the occasion to renew their faith and commitment to serving their communities.

Kaziimba noted that the witness of the martyrs continues to inspire believers to live lives characterized by integrity, humility, and love for one another.

The Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Zziwa, encouraged Catholics to commemorate the day through prayers and parish-based activities while observing public health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

Religious leaders also remind the public to remain vigilant against Ebola by practicing regular handwashing, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and reporting suspected cases to health authorities.

Across the country, churches will hold special prayers, Masses, and services as Christians reflect on the sacrifice of the martyrs whose legacy has shaped Uganda’s Christian faith for more than a century.

Although pilgrims are unable to converge at Namugongo this year, church leaders emphasize that the spirit and message of the Uganda Martyrs remain alive in homes, churches, and communities, continuing to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and commitment to God.

The Uganda Martyrs, comprising 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, were killed during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. Their courage and sacrifice continue to be commemorated annually on June 3, a public holiday in Uganda.