_______________

Wandaz Products Ltd national sales manager Haruna Siita has commended Vision Group for championing the cause of amplifying religious believers’ voices towards commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day by contributing towards singing competition choirs.

Wandaz Products Ltd aka Wandaz, is a nascent privately-owned Ugandan company specialising in the manufacture of personal care and home care products.

Siita, flanked by several Wandaz executive members, made the remarks on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Vision Group's headquarters in Kampala when he delivered shillings 10 million towards supporting choral activities.

“We commend Vision Group for initiating the participation of all religious affiliation groups towards celebrating the contribution of the historic Uganda Martyrs. It is our biggest pleasure to identify with a community seeking to advance the social and religious agenda of our nation,” Siita said.

This has brought in the new way of celebrating a special day where the country’s literature and culture are told through music and videos which shows transformation from analogue system to the digital world, Wandaz marketing manager Stellah Wanyana added.

The National Martyrs' Choir Singing Competition, is an extraordinary event, meticulously organised by Vision Group under its multimedia platforms such as TVs, Radios and online among others.

Uniting Catholics and Anglicans

“Our joint music competition is meant to unite Catholic and Anglican choirs from all corners of Uganda. Beyond honouring the courageous martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith, this competition serves as a platform for nurturing unity and mutual understanding between our denominations,” Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama said.

According to him, the company is proud to witness an array of submissions from diverse choirs across Uganda, each showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.

“I am pleased to announce that our esteemed panel of judges has meticulously selected the top choirs, who will vie for victory at the grand finale. These are currently being contacted. Join us on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the iconic Kampala Serena, as these choirs compete for glory and inspire us with their melodious performances,” he added.

Over 90 choirs participated in the event and it is from those that the selected 16 choirs shall perform at Serena to be able to select the final cream to perform on June 3, 2024, during the celebrations at Namugongo.

Vision Group marketing manager Lorraine Tukahirwa said through such an initiative, the company is working hard to become the vehicle of socio-economic transformation for Ugandans.

“Over the years, Vision Group has been part of Uganda Martyrs activities and this is one of its kind that we have decided to organise it differently,” she said.

Every June 3, hundreds of thousands of Christians and Muslims from all walks of life from the East African Community (EAC) member states, especially, Kenya Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond trek hundreds of kilometres to pay homage to the martyrs who were executed between in the late 1880s. 

In Uganda, the Government declared this day a national public holiday in commemoration of the first Christian Martyrs in the country.

At the event, the winning choirs shall get shillings 10 million. The runners up, according to Tukahirwa, shall pocket shillings five million, while the second runners up shillings three million.

“We invite you to witness this unparalleled celebration of music, unity and heritage. Please mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of harmony and camaraderie,” Tukahirwa noted.