By Rose Kasigwa

Christians have been called upon to emulate the example of the Uganda martyrs who remained strong despite persecution.

In a sermon delivered during a high level mass at Namugongo Catholic shrine, the Bishop of Lugazi diocese, Stephen Kakooza said that the little faith by the Uganda martyrs uprooted evil and planted holiness.

Bishop Kakooza said that the Uganda martyrs were like gold in a furnace adding that no hardship or persecution would turn them away from Christ.

“Pilgrimage is a journey of faith to a place of Faith to strengthen faith.” Said Bishop Kakooza

The official animators of this year martyrs commemoration at the Catholic shrine, prayed for peace in families, suffering of the poor among others.

The chief guest, the vice president, Jessica Alupo who read   president Museveni’s   statement,  quoting  from the book of Mark chapter 12 verses 17  stated  “Jesus said to them, give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God whats is God’s.” the president emphasized that believers should avoid mixing religion and politics.

The Archbishop Emeritus of church of Uganda Dr. Luke Orombi called on the faithful to stand up for Jesus.   The Arch Bishop emeritus while preaching to the Pilgrims at the Anglican shrine at Namugongo said that the blood of Martyrs is the seed of the church adding that the church depends on those who give out their lives as sacrifices.   Orombi asked the faithful to follow examples of the martyrs who did not fear amidst persecution.   Linking religious beliefs to politics, Orombi encouraged believers not to fear as the country goes to polls next year saying that God has not created a spirit of fear putting in mind that God is a God of tomorrow.   “The God who has bound us together is the same God who will take us through 2026, the martyrs were never afraid because God is a God of tomorrow” said bishop Orombi.   Concluding his summon of the day Orombi asked the Archbishop church of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu to make an alter call for those who wanted to pledge their lives to Christ.   Making an alter call and asking those who wanted to pledge their lives to Christ , Archbishop Kazimba amidst a worship song “STAND UP FOR JESUS”  prayed for the converts . “Today’s appeal is so simple, the verdict is to  stand for Jesus because these people who died if they come back now, they will not regret, it will be like Joseph said what the devil meant for evil God has turned it into a blessing.” Said Kazimba

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni   said the contribution to the celebrations of Martyrs day is going to be part of government annual budget.

“I have directed government to make this contribution part of government budget annually since many Ugandans participate”

President Museveni who was the chief guest at the Anglican Martyrs shrine in a company of the first lady Janet Museveni, who is also a minister of education and Sports, revealed that this year government contributed shs 2 billion to the Catholic and Anglican shrines respectively and 200 million shs to the Muslims whose Martyrs’ were killed by Kabaka Mwanga for their faith in religion.

The president asked Ugandans to be wealth creators and avoid sectarianism based on religion and politics.

Mr. Museveni further appealed to Ugandans to love their country and Africa at large saying this will create them space for marketing their products.

This year 2025 martyrs commemoration attracted   Pilgrims from as far as Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and India among other countries.

Lugazi diocese the official animators of this year’s celebration at the Catholic shrine attributed their thorough worship performance to the prior training which enabled them to pick out the best.

This year’s martyrs day on June 3. Commemoration   at both the Catholic and Anglican shrines involved a variety of activities that included a high level mass, music, vestments, and a larger group of clergy participating in the liturgy. 

This year celebrations at the Catholic shrine was held under the theme: Walking in the footsteps of the martyrs for a faithful journey’, which according to the organizers, “was to honor the courage and unwavering faith” of the martyrs.

The theme was inspired by the jubilee year declared by late pope Francis and drew the inspiration from the Bible book of Mark chapter 10 verses 51 reflecting the desire to reawaken faith and see God’s work in people’s lives.

While Anglican shrine theme: was “Oh Lord let me see again”. This year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations at the Anglican were organized by the six Northern Uganda dioceses: Lango, West Lango, Acholi, Madi and West Nile, Kitgum, and Nebbi.