Martyrs’ birthplaces deserve national investment, Museveni says

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President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated the government's commitment to developing key religious sites, including Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro district, into major centres of pilgrimage and religious tourism.

Speaking as the chief pilgrim during this year’s St Gonzaga Gonza Day national celebrations on Sunday, July 6, 2025, the President said the government was ready to invest in the birthplaces of Uganda Martyrs, such as Bugonza and Kyebando in Mayuge, birthplaces of martyrs Gonzaga Gonza and Matia Mulumba, respectively.

“Developing this site here will be done. I discussed with the priests, and I told them what shall be done here at Bugonza and also at Matia Mulumba’s place at Kyebando and the one of Bishop Hannington in Kyando because all these people are important and capture the sentiment of our people,” Museveni said.

The national celebrations, organised by Jinja Diocese and held at Bugonza Shrine, commemorated the life and martyrdom of Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered martyrs, who was killed for his faith in 1886.

“I’m very happy to be here to take part in these celebrations to commemorate St Gonzaga Gonza,” Museveni said, noting that the declaration of June 3 as a public holiday had helped many Ugandans to participate in honouring the martyrs.

“Before the NRM came, they would wait for a weekend to celebrate the Uganda Martyrs Day, but when I came, I discussed with Cardinal Nsubuga to make it a public holiday.”

He also reminded the congregation that Uganda commemorates Heroes Day just six days later, on June 9, which reflects the courage and sacrifice of the Ugandan people.

“This shows you the nature of the people of Uganda,” he added.

Museveni pledged sh950 million towards the completion of the Minor Seminary in Iganga and a further sh300 million for the SACCO of Priests in Jinja Diocese.

He also committed another Shs300 million to complete the diocese’s commercial building in Kamuli district.

The President announced that the government would offer full financial support for the completion of the Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja.

“And I’m glad these priests know how to use resources sparingly. We gave them sh2 billion to celebrate Namugongo Martyrs Day two years ago when Jinja Diocese was leading. They used some of it and saved a portion, which they used to start the Martyrs Hospital, which we are going to complete,” Museveni said.

He also pledged that, beginning with the 2026/2027 financial year, the government would start developing the pilgrimage sites at Bugonza and Kyebando as part of a broader plan to promote religious tourism.

In addition, Museveni donated a tractor to boost agricultural production in the Diocese and pledged financial assistance for Bishop Charles Martin Wamika’s medical treatment.

“I'm very sorry that the bishop is sick and we are going to do everything possible to support him,” he said.

The President urged Christians to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a pathway out of poverty.

“I normally hear people saying that PDM money is being stolen, and they want us to start other efforts. I insist on the proper use of the money in the parish,” he said.

He explained the long-term impact of the PDM model, citing that each parish receives sh100 million annually and could grow this to sh800 million over five years.

“Even if the government doesn’t add in new money in 2 years, the parish bank will be having sh1.6 billion,” he said, noting that this was far better than relying on predatory money lenders.

Earlier, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo Archdiocese led a holy mass to mark the 139th anniversary of Gonzaga Gonza’s martyrdom.

In a speech delivered by his Chancellor, Fr Gerald Muto, Bishop Wamika thanked the President for his financial support and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to wealth creation initiatives.

“Sir, I don't see anything bad with religious leaders promoting wealth creation campaigns among followers, because we cannot continue to put up with preaching to the impoverished followers,” he said.

He also urged the Inter Religious Council to rally behind wealth creation messages. “Preaching to people with an empty stomach is a waste of time because they cannot appreciate any messages, however good they may be.”

The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, congratulated Museveni on his reappointment as NRM National Chairperson and presidential flagbearer and called for national recognition and development of all Uganda Martyrs’ sites through budgetary allocation.

Who was Gonzaga Gonza?

Born around 1862 in Busoga, Gonzaga Gonza was kidnapped as a child and raised in Buganda. A convert to Catholicism, he was baptised on 17 November 1885. Known for his piety, compassion and strength of character, Gonza was arrested and tortured before being speared to death at the age of 24 on 27 May 1886.

He is recognised as the patron of prisoners, travellers, the ill-treated and those in trouble.

The function drew government ministers, Members of Parliament, local leaders and residents from Kaliro and neighbouring districts.