Hundreds of youth, students throng Namugongo Martyrs' Basilica

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Hundreds of students from different schools and higher education institutions in Uganda on Friday (May 30th) thronged Namugongo for their annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the Uganda Martyrs, who will be celebrated on Tuesday.

Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations honour the holy martyrs killed between 1885 and 1887 on account of their faith.

The annual event at the Catholic Martyrs' Basilica and the Church of Uganda site honours the 45 martyrs killed by burning and beheading for their faith on orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda.

Earlier Friday, May 30th, Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere led mass, assisted by the vicar general of Lugazi Diocese, Richard Kayondo, and several priests from different parishes and dioceses.

The congregation included the state minister for higher education, Dr John C. Muyingo, head teachers from different schools and some parents.

In his homily, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere warned youth against using drugs and asked the teachers, parents and guardians to continue helping the youngsters.

He said, “This work is for all of us to guide them in prayers and also to help them to avoid using drugs.”

Lugazi Catholic Diocese will animate the national liturgy for 2025 under the theme: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again, I your pilgrim of hope” (Mark 10:51).

Minister Muyingo, while addressing the congregation, hailed the annual students' event, saying that it was one way of helping the youth to strengthen their faith.

On the same occasion, the minister urged Ugandans to embrace and support the ministry's mandatory guidelines, which he said will improve the morals of the young generation. 

“Let all Ugandans read it and guide children, and if anyone sees that anyone is not following it, guide them accordingly and if not, report them.”