📷 Vision Group vows to keep Martyrs' Choral Festival flame burning
“As Vision Group, we promise that this is not the last time [of the National Martyrs' Choral competition]. We were here last year for the first time, and the voices were clear — let’s do it every year. And here we are again," vowed Ndyanabo.
Gervase Ndyanabo, the Vision Group's Deputy Managing Director giving a certificate to one of the winners. (Photos by Maria Wamala)
By John Musenze
Journalists @New Vision
________________
On Saturday, the Serena Conference Centre burst into life with melodies, colour, and spiritual devotion as hundreds of people turned up for the grand finale of the National Martyrs’ Choral Festival 2025 — a celebration of music, unity, and faith that continued to bring the powerful story of the Uganda Martyrs to life.
Organised by Vision Group, this year’s climax featured six finalists, refined through months of regional contests and constant rehearsals.
And in a joyful collision of voices, visions, and victories, the curtains eventually drew on an exciting musical contest with the cream rising to the top.
St Charles Lwanga Lubaga Cathedral Choir reigned supreme in the Catholic category while Morning Glory Choir from St Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda, Entebbe won the Anglican category.
In the Catholic category, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom SS Kasawo Choir (Lugazi Diocese) took second place while All Saints Choir, Christ the King Catholic Parish (Arua Diocese) finish third.
In the Anglican category, Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir (All Saints Cathedral, Kampala) secured the second place while The Shepherd’s Choir of St. Augustine Church of Uganda – Barogole, Lira City (Diocese of Lango) took third.
Each of the six finalists walked away with a cash prize — sh10 million (winners), sh5 million (first runners-up) and sh3 million (second runners-up).
Their performances — a rich blend of traditional hymns, original compositions, and soul-stirring renditions of classic Christian songs — captivated the audience at Serena.
'Our models'
In his welcoming remarks, Gervase Ndyanabo, Vision Group's Deputy Managing Director, emphasized the reason for the celebration of the Uganda martyrs.
“The martyrs were brave, yes, but they were also good citizens. We don’t all have to die for our faith to honour them. We can live for their example," he said.
“As Vision Group, we promise that this is not the last time [of the National Martyrs' Choral competition]. We were here last year for the first time, and the voices were clear — let’s do it every year. And here we are again.
“The story of the Uganda martyrs starts with sadness, but it ends with joy. The blood of the martyrs turned into the seed of Christianity in this country. We are blessed to have them," said Ndyanabo.
The theme of the night echoed throughout the event: 'A celebration not just of sacrifice, but of exemplary living'.
“So many books have been written. But when you go deeper into their [martyrs'] lives, you realize they were also model citizens — in their families, communities and even the Kabaka’s palace. Let’s make them our models.”
The festival was held in the leadup to the Uganda Martyrs’ Day, marked every June 3.
As such, it served as a powerful prelude — reminding Ugandans that the true essence of martyrdom lies not only in dying for one’s faith, but also in living with purpose, courage and moral conviction.
“We don’t want you to die as martyrs, but we want you to live like them — with honour, with faith, and as good citizens. And we promise — this is not the last time," vowed Ndyanabo.
'Boldness and conviction'
Dr. Prof Bishop Alfred Olwa of the Diocese of Lango spoke on behalf of the Northern Cluster Bishops, and underscored the significance of honouring the martyrs through song, faith, and unity.
“We are here gathered for the Uganda Martyrs’ Choral Festival, where we honour the unwavering faith and courage of our beloved martyrs,” he said.
“Their sacrifice in the faith inspires us to stand firm in our convictions and to live out our faith with boldness and conviction.”
Olwa thanked Vision Group for organizing the festival, which he described as an occasion that “brings us together in different denominations in joy, in happiness and to celebrate the life and the witness of the martyrs".
Reflecting on the experience, he called for unity among Ugandans across denominations and traditions.
“May this be the spirit within which we continue in this nation: humanism, unity, loving one another, working together, and serving this nation together.”
'Spirit, message and unity'
Uganda's former Prime Minister, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, attended the event.
He described the annual interdenominational music festival as a profound act of remembrance and unity, calling it “a national celebration of faith, culture, and action”.
Mbabazi lauded the event’s power to unite people beyond religious lines and into a shared spiritual and historical experience and noted with pleasure the progress made this year.
He hailed the involvement of younger choirs and the evolving quality of performances as a sign of continuity and growth in sacred music.
“Today is not just about who takes the trophy home. It is about the spirit in which you have sung, the message you have carried, and the unity you have shown.”
Mbabazi thaned Vision Group for giving voice to the legacy of the Ugandan martyrs, whose courage and sacrifice helped to establish Christian faith in the country.
This year’s edition received strong backing from the following sponsors: Equity Bank, Centenary Bank, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Pepsi, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Kampala Serena Hotel, Parliament of Uganda and Public Procurement & Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA).