Archbishop Kaziimba roots for unity, national cohesion

KAMPALA - Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba has called on Ugandans to embrace unity, reconciliation and national cohesion, drawing inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs who remained steadfast in faith even in the face of death.

In his Martyrs Day message delivered during virtual prayers at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Kaziimba emphasised the historical significance of Namugongo, urging Christians to preserve the site’s identity and heritage.
"The real, real Namugongo is this place," Kaziimba said, dismissing suggestions by some people to refer to the area as ‘Nakiyanja’.

The Church of Uganda top cleric added; "This place, the word Namugongo simply means back. They called it Namugongo because people were dragged here and brought to this very place."

The Archbishop noted that both Anglican and Catholic martyrs were executed at the site and that their remains symbolise Christian unity.

The Archbishop noted that both Anglican and Catholic martyrs were executed at the site and that their remains symbolise Christian unity. (All Photos by Ponsiano Nsimbi)

"Where the museum is now, that is where many were killed, regardless of whether Catholics or Anglicans. Both the Anglican and the Catholic martyrs were burned together, and their remains are together. We are anchored in the cross for unity, and we will remain united even in fire,” Kaziimba preached.

Kaziimba emphasised that the martyrs transcended tribal and regional divisions, noting that although they came from different ethnic backgrounds and served in the Buganda Kingdom, they stood together in their witness for Christ.

"They broke the barrier of tribes. They broke the barrier of regions," Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop urged Ugandans to follow that example by rejecting tribalism, discrimination and sectarianism.

"As we celebrate these martyrs, let us emulate the spirit of unity despite our different tribes and regions," he said.

"Let us promote things that can take our country to another level where we are united instead of fighting each other. Let us fight tribal hatreds,” Kaziimba said.

He expressed concern that some Ugandans are denied opportunities because of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.

"There are some people who may not get some jobs because they say this one belongs to a different tribe, this one belongs to a different region," he said, adding that the martyrs’ example should teach society to value people based on merit rather than identity.

Kaziimba also used the occasion to advocate for improved healthcare and social protection systems, proposing that a portion of revenue generated from Uganda’s natural resources be invested in a national health insurance scheme.

"I suggest that with our oil and our minerals, we get a percentage that goes into the National Treasury for National Health Insurance," he said.

He said such initiatives would contribute to building “a healthy Uganda, a united Uganda,” especially as many families continue to struggle with costly illnesses such as cancer.

The Archbishop further called for national dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness as foundations for lasting peace.

"Let us build humanism into humanism by promoting national dialogue. We need to talk to each other, promote reconciliation, promote forgiveness, love among ourselves, and promote the spirit of love instead of hatred," he said.

Drawing from the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, Kaziimba encouraged Christians to become instruments of peace in their communities.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, make me sow love," he quoted.

The Archbishop also reminded believers to remain focused on Christ during times of hardship, just as the Uganda Martyrs, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and Saint Stephen remained faithful amid suffering and persecution.

"Even in the fire, they were united by their continued prayer. Let us emulate the martyrs by looking at Jesus,” Kaziimba said.

He urged Ugandans to build the nation on the pillars of prayer, hard work and unity in Christ.

"Let us build our nation on the foundation of prayer, work and unity with Christ, and unity with each other," he said.

Kaziimba concluded by encouraging Christians to place every challenge before God and trust in Christ as their firm anchor.

"Nothing should separate us from the love of Jesus," he said, citing Romans 8:35. "In whatever you go through, big things and small things, we should always learn to put them before Christ,” he said.