Our Lady Seat of Wisdom choir wins 2026 National Martyrs Choral Festival

KAMPALA - Our Lady Seat of Wisdom SSS Kasawo are the champions of the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2026 under the Catholic category, whereas Katwe Martyrs Church Choir won the side of the Anglicans.

The spirit of the Uganda Martyrs was alive through song and worship as choirs from the Catholic and Anglican churches converged at the Vision Group head offices in Kampala for the grand finale of the third National Martyrs Choral Festival.

The finals, which started at 2:00pm, were broadcast live across all the Vision Group television platforms, which include Bukedde TV1 and 2, Wan Luo and TV West.

Katwe Martyrs Church Choir won the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2026 on the side of the Anglicans. (Credit: Moses Nsubuga)

The competition, which has grown into one of the country's most significant faith-based musical events, brought together talented choirs to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Uganda Martyrs through choral music, while promoting unity among Christians.

The finals opened with a performance by Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Choir, one of the Catholic Church finalists, followed by St Gyaviira Centenary Ndeeba, thereby setting the stage for an afternoon of inspiring melodies and messages rooted in faith and devotion.

The presiding judges were; Joseph Batte, Lydia Namatovu and Rachael Ayikoru.

A total of six Catholic and Anglican choirs are battling in the finals. In the prelude remarks at the event, National Martyrs Choral Festival project coordinator Max Adii said the festival was designed to honour the courage and unwavering faith demonstrated by both the Catholic and Anglican martyrs.

Adii reflected on the sacrifices made by the martyrs, many of whom were taken to Namugongo to face persecution because of their belief. He noted that the festival seeks to keep their legacy alive among younger generations through music.

"Today we gather to celebrate that same spirit of courage, faith and devotion through this festival," Adii said.

He added that modern technology has enabled the message of the martyrs to reach wider audiences, with performances being broadcast on television and streamed live via digital platforms.

The deputy Managing Director of Vision Group, Garvase Ndyanabo, described the festival as more than a music competition, saying it serves as a national platform for celebrating the values embodied by the Uganda Martyrs.

"This is more than a music concert; this is the celebration of the Uganda Martyrs," Ndyanabo said.

He praised the martyrs for their courage, integrity, selflessness and commitment to community, saying they remain role models for many Ugandans today.

According to Ndyanabo, one of the greatest lessons from the martyrs is their ability to live in unity despite differences in age, background and denomination. "They will forever be our role models in very many ways. More than being role models, they are our companions," he said.

As Uganda prepares to commemorate Martyrs' Day on June 3, Ndyanabo said the annual celebrations continue to draw inspiration from the martyrs' heroism and sacrifice.

“Nothing, not even Ebola, will stop us from celebrating the Uganda Martyrs,” he added, drawing applause from participants and guests.

Beyond the competition, organisers said the festival has become a powerful tool for evangelisation, nurturing musical talent and strengthening ties between Christian communities.

Choirs spend months preparing hymns and compositions inspired by the Martyrs' witness, making participation itself a tribute to their legacy.

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Katwe Martyrs Church Choir won the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2026 on the side of the Anglicans.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom SSS Kasawo were the champions of the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2026 on the Catholics' side.

Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir during the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2026 at Vision Group head offices in Kampala.