Anglican Church holds virtual Uganda Martyrs Day prayers

KAMPALA - A number of religious leaders and selected dignitaries, including government officials, attended Martyrs Day virtual prayers presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo.

The Church encouraged faithful to join the service through television, radio and online platforms following the Government’s decision to suspend physical pilgrimages due to the Ebola outbreak.

Among the senior government officials in attendance were former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife, State Minister for Elderly Affairs-designate Jackline Mbabazi, Minister of Public Service designate Gen Katumba Wamala, outgoing Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, and State Minister for Trade David Bahati.

The service also attracted prominent religious leaders, including Rt Rev. Prof Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese and chairman of the Uganda Joint Christian Council; Rt Rev. Jackson Frederick Baalwa, Episcopal Bishop of Kampala; Rt Rev. Jackson Matovu, Bishop Emeritus of Central Buganda Diocese and chairman of the Uganda Martyrs Museum; as well as Rev. Canon Prof Olivia Nassaka Banja, Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University and Mama Bishop of Namirembe.

Others in attendance included Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, vice chancellor of Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Kayiwa Ingo, the university’s deputy vice chancellor.

Leadership praises organisers and government support

Speaking while welcoming guests at Namugongo, Namirembe Diocese Bishop Moses Banja commended Uganda Christian University for successfully organising this year’s virtual Martyrs Day celebrations and for undertaking significant improvements at the Anglican Shrine.

"I want to appreciate, in a special way, Uganda Christian University and its leadership for organising this year's Martyrs' Celebration," Banja said.

He noted that the institution had transformed the appearance of the shrine through several infrastructure projects.

"We have seen a lot has taken place in this place. Our seminary has changed its face, and many, many things that you have done the walkways, the washrooms, the modern facilities in this place, and even painting our buildings," he said.

"Thank God for you who have come, that you are seeing what the Lord has done through the organising university,” he added.

Bishop Banja also thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the Government for supporting the Church of Uganda to hold the celebrations despite the public health challenges facing the country.

"Allow me also to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for allowing us to celebrate this year's Martyrs' Celebration virtually, and all the support that the government has given us to see what we see today. We praise God for that," he said.

Call for permanent church structure

The Bishop used the occasion to appeal for support towards the construction of a permanent church for Namugongo Martyrs Archdeaconry, noting that worshippers have endured difficult conditions for years.

"I want to inform Your Grace and all those who have come to celebrate this year's Martyrs' Celebration that our Christians here in Namugongo have suffered a lot," he said.

According to Banja, Christians have been holding services in a temporary tent known as the Tabernacle for more than five years, despite the area being elevated to an archdeaconry status.

"They have been having their services in a tent they call it Tabernacle over there. For over five years or so, they have been having their services there. This place was raised to the level of an archdeaconry, but they do not have a church, a proper church, to worship God,” Banja said.

He revealed that church authorities had already approved plans for the construction of the Namugongo Martyrs Archdeaconry Church and that fundraising efforts had begun.
"Over that site, where you see some construction ongoing, that is where we are going to construct the Namugongo Martyrs Archdeaconry Church," he said.

Background on Uganda Martyrs Day

Uganda Martyrs Day, observed annually on June 3, is one of the country’s most significant religious events, drawing millions of pilgrims from Uganda and beyond to honour the faith and sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs.

The day commemorates 45 young Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith. The martyrs included both Catholics and Anglicans who remained steadfast in their beliefs despite persecution and death.

The main celebrations are held at Namugongo, where many of the martyrs were killed. Thousands of pilgrims travel long distances on foot from different parts of Uganda and neighbouring countries to take part in prayers, Masses and other religious activities.

Over the years, Uganda Martyrs Day has grown into a major spiritual and cultural event promoting faith, unity, courage and perseverance. The martyrs are remembered as symbols of conviction, integrity and sacrifice, inspiring generations of Christians.