How National Martyrs Choral Festival 2026 grand finale unfolded

KAMPALA - The grand finale of the National Martyrs Choral Festival 2026 held on the eve of Uganda Martyrs Day at Vision Group head offices in Kampala, was not merely a contest of voices but a celebration of faith, sacrifice and the enduring legacy of the Uganda Martyrs.

Project coordinator Max Adil, in prelude remarks, welcomed guests and viewers just in front of a banner indicating a partnership between Vision Group, Uganda Martyrs University and Pepsi.

He described the festival as a national platform that continues to unite Christians from different regions through worship and music.

Catholic Category winners: Our Lady Seat of Wisdom SSS Kasawo.

"The National Martyrs Choral Festival continues to grow every year. We are proud that choirs from different parts of Uganda continue to embrace this initiative because it honours the courage and sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs while promoting talent and evangelisation," Adil said, additionally revealing that about 36 choirs had participated before six finalists were selected.

The first performance came from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Choir from Kasawo. Dressed in their distinctive light-blue school uniforms accented with white robes, the youthful singers delivered a powerful presentation characterised by discipline, confidence and rich harmonies.

Their performance immediately set a high standard for the afternoon and earned admiration from both judges and viewers.

Martyrs' Church Katwe presented its original composition very well.

Next on stage was St Gyaviira Centenary Choir from Ndeeba. The choir blended traditional church music with strong vocal projection and expressive interpretation. Men dressed in kanzus and black coats while women wore colourful gomesis, creating a striking visual presentation that complemented their music.

St Jude Choir Wakiso completed the Catholic category performances with a polished and energetic rendition that demonstrated excellent teamwork and vocal control.

After the Catholic performances, attention shifted to the Anglican category. St Luke Anglican Choir from Seeta Parish opened the section with a spirited performance that reflected the rich traditions of Anglican church music.

Their singers displayed confidence and enthusiasm as they interpreted the prescribed musical pieces.

The final performance of the day came from Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir.

The audience was then treated to a performance from Martyrs Church Choir Katwe.
Dressed in traditional cassocks and surplices, the choir combined vocal precision with strong stage presence.

Their disciplined delivery and emotional expression captured the attention of judges throughout their presentation.

The final performance of the day came from Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir.

The choir showcased remarkable growth and maturity, presenting a balanced performance in Runyakitara that blended technical excellence with deep spiritual expression.

Throughout the afternoon, the panel of judges comprising Joseph Batte, the lead adjudicator, Lydia Namatovu and Rachael Ayikoru closely assessed every aspect of the performances.

According to Batte, judging went beyond simply identifying the loudest or most entertaining choir.

"We were looking at musicality, accuracy of pitch, precision in timing and rhythm, harmonisation within sections, effective use of dynamics, interpretation and understanding of the text, emotional engagement and artistic phrasing," he explained.

The judges also paid attention to how well the choirs remained faithful to the traditions of their respective denominations.

Conversation The New Vision @newvisionwire Judge Batte Joseph praised St. Luke Choir Seeta for their traditional folk song performance, saying they sang very well.

As the adjudicators retreated to compile final scores, excitement filled the venue. Choir members exchanged greetings, shared experiences and reflected on months of preparation that had brought them to the national stage.

Addressing participants before the announcement of results, Vision Group deputy managing director Garvase Ndyanabo reminded them that the event was first and foremost a festival rather than a competition.

"Is it a show? We no longer call it a competition. It is a festival. We all came here to honour the martyrs," Ndyanabo said.

He urged participants to view themselves as ambassadors of faith and custodians of the martyrs' legacy.

The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived when the judges announced the results.

Judge Lydia Namatovu praised the choir for their beautiful performance.

In the Catholic category, St Gyaviira Ndeeba secured third position and received sh600,000. St Jude Wakiso emerged first runners-up and took home sh800,000.

The loudest cheers erupted when Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Choir was announced as the Catholic champion, earning the coveted crown, trophy and sh1m cash prize.

The Anglican category results followed shortly afterwards. St Luke Seeta Parish Choir finished in third place and received sh600,000. Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir secured second position and a cash prize of sh800,000.

When Martyrs Church Choir Katwe was declared the winner, ululations from choir members and commotion in the venue became irresistible.

For Walter Samuel Alele, a member of Martyrs Church Choir Katwe, the victory was a result of hard work and commitment.

Judge Lydia Namatovu advised St. Gyaviira Centenary Ndeeba Choir to add more vibe and energy when singing. She also advised them to include more instruments next time.

Cathrine Namukalazi of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Choir described the victory as a blessing.

As the curtains fell on the festival, one message stood out: the Uganda Martyrs continue to inspire generations through faith, courage and sacrifice through music, worship and fellowship.

The National Martyrs Choral Festival once again transformed those values into a living experience, proving that the martyrs’ legacy remains as relevant today as it was more than a century ago.