National Martyrs choral festival set for June 2

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The 2026 National Martyrs Choral Festival will be held virtually at the Vision Group Studios on June 2, 2026. Six Anglican and Catholic church choirs have been selected from the hundreds of entries received by Vision Group.

The six choirs will honour the Uganda Martyrs in a sing-off competition where the best two will each win a cash prize.

According to the event’s coordinator, Max Adii, the decision to have a virtual or scientific event is in adherence to the strict guidelines set by the Government due to public health concerns about the spread of the Ebola disease.

First runners up (Anglican)-Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship choir during the Uganda Martyrs sing-off competition. (File photo)

“As you are aware, the threat of Ebola caused the postponement of the celebrations of Uganda Martyrs Day at Namugongo (set for June 3). So, we are obliged to strictly observe the standard operating procedures and other guidelines that the government issued out to the government. Our people will be able to follow the function because it will be broadcast live on all our television channels and other electronic/ digital platforms,” Adii said.

He said the main purpose of the festival is to help local choirs and all Christians to celebrate the Uganda Martyrs through music.

Adii said the choirs in participation are from the Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda, and also, from all over Uganda, which makes the festival national and ecumenical.

This year will be the third edition of the festival, the inaugural one having taken place in 2024 at Kampala Serena Hotel in Kampala.

The festival is organised by Vision Group and sponsored by Pepsi, Equity Bank, and Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

The event will be broadcast live on all Vision Group television stations, including Bukedde TV,  Wun Luo and TV West. It will also be relayed live on all Vision Group social media platforms.