📷 UCU to host 2026 Anglican Uganda martyrs celebrations
“Uganda Christian University, where I serve as chancellor, will host the 2026 celebrations," said Kaziimba.
Seated L-R; Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Kaziimba Mugalu, President Yoweri Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, former Archbishop, Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Bishop of Kitgum Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara and Bishop of Northern Diocese Rt. Rev. Gofrey Loum with other Bishops during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Anglican site in Namugongo on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)
By John Musenze
Journalists @New Vision
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Following this year’s successful celebration led by the Northern Uganda Cluster, made up of six dioceses, the Uganda Christian University (UCU) has been selected to lead the next Anglican Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.
Church of Uganda archbishop Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has, therefore, asked UCU to organise a memorable event, noting his personal connection to the university.
L-R; President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni being received by Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Kaziimba Mugalu, Dr. Prof Bishop Alfred Olwa of the Diocese of Lango, Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu and Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng as they arrived at the Uganda Martyrs Museum at Nakiyanja during the Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations on 3rd June 2025 in Namugongo. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)
“Uganda Christian University, where I serve as chancellor, will host the 2026 celebrations. We promise to deliver one of the best commemorations yet,” he said during the Martyrs Day celebrations at the Anglican Martyrs site in Namugongo, Wakiso district on June 3, 2023.
Before the announcement, Kaziimba described this year’s celebration as more than a mere ritual, emphasising its deeper spiritual and missional significance.
(L-R), Canon Ken Odur, Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese, Rev James Luwum and Rev. Prisca of Mulago Hospital Chaplaincy dancing to Gwani cultural song during the martyrs day celebration at the Anglican site. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)
“We are celebrating 140 years of God’s faithfulness, mercy, love and providence. This is not just an event—it’s a powerful reminder of sacrifice, faith, and the Lord’s enduring love.”
He commended the Northern Uganda Cluster, which is made up of the dioceses of Northern Uganda, Kitgum, Lango, West Lango, Madi and West Nile and Nebbi, for their leadership and efforts, particularly in constructing a perimeter wall around the Namugongo Anglican Shrine to safeguard Church land from encroachment.
“Church land has long been threatened by land grabbers. This perimeter wall stands as a symbol of stewardship and responsibility,” he said.
Mental health
Kaziimba also expressed alarm over the deteriorating mental health of Ugandan youth, linking it to rising drug and substance abuse. He urged both the Government and the Church to act jointly in addressing the crisis.
The preacher of the day, Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, delivered his sermon during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Anglican site in Namugongo. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)
“Our young people are perishing. Marijuana, alcohol, opioids and tobacco are destroying lives, destabilising families, fuelling crime and worsening mental health,” he warned.
He called for increased investment in school chaplaincy programmes, mental health education and rehabilitation services.
“Together, we can reclaim our children and secure a brighter future for Uganda,” he said.
The Archbishop also reminded President Yoweri Museveni of previous government pledges that remain unfulfilled, including the promised distribution of tractors to all dioceses and support for expanding church infrastructure.
This year’s chief preacher, Church of Uganda Archbishop Emeritus Dr Henry Luke Orombi delivered a passionate sermon, warning believers against reducing Martyrs Day celebrations to mere tradition.
“The Martyrs did not die so we could sing hymns and go home. Their blood calls us to courageous faith, national unity and societal transformation,” he said.
Attendees use an umbrella to shield themselves from the scorching sun at Nakiyanja during the Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations on 3rd June 2025 in Namugongo. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)
Orombi reminded Christians that the power of the early martyrs lay not just in what they said, but in how they lived and died. He urged today’s Church to rise to that standard and called on national leaders to include the poor in all development efforts.
“Do not repay evil with evil; do not seek revenge—leave that to God. Instead, light up your communities, homes, and nation. Many of us have become loyal to money and material things, but God must be our master. Let money be your servant,” he urged.
He praised Uganda for its historic hospitality to other nations, calling it a blessing that must be preserved.
He encouraged the faithful to honour the martyrs, rather than their persecutor, King Mwanga, as they were the ones who shed their blood for the faith.
Orombi urged all Ugandans to become ambassadors of peace as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.