Double joy as Kichinjaji Catholics mark Martyrs Day with weddings

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Christians in Soroti city joined the rest of the country in commemorating Uganda Martyrs Day with a blend of solemn prayer, historical reflection and rare celebration, as two couples exchanged marriage vows during a special Mass that also highlighted the legacy of St Kizito as a model for children.

At St Charles Lwanga Eucharistic Centre, Kichinjaji Catholic Parish, hundreds of faithful gathered at Kichinjaji Primary School to honour the 22 Catholic martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their faith under King Mwanga II of Buganda.

The commemorative Mass, which turned into a double celebration, saw the sacrament of Holy Matrimony administered to two couples, Stephen Ochom and Harriet Audo, and Simon Peter Amechu and Margaret Amulen, adding a joyful dimension to an otherwise solemn day.

Fr Joseph Ochom Ipurale, who officiated the ceremony, said the weddings reflected the enduring values of sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the Uganda Martyrs. (Credit: Christine Itado)

Two couples, Stephen Ochom and Harriet Audo, and Simon Peter Amechu and Margaret Amulen, exchanged wedding vows on Martyrs Day, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Credit: Christine Itado)

Rev. Fr Joseph Ochom Ipurale, who officiated the ceremony, said the weddings reflected the enduring values of sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the Uganda Martyrs.

He noted that the martyrs’ courage continues to inspire Christian families to live lives anchored in faith, truth and resilience.

Beyond Kichinjaji, commemoration messages across the Soroti Diocese centred on the example of St Kizito, the youngest of the Uganda Martyrs.

Rev. Fr Romanus Etwap, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Soroti Diocese, urged children to emulate St Kizito, who was only 14 years old when he was killed in 1886 for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith.

Fr Etwap reminded congregants that Martyrs Day is not only about remembrance but also about drawing lessons from the bravery of young believers who stood firm in their convictions despite persecution.

Martyrs Day is observed annually on June 3 in honour of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts who were burnt, speared and executed at Namugongo between 1885 and 1887 for their Christian faith under King Mwanga’s rule.

Some Christians who attended the Kichinjaji Mass expressed mixed emotions, reflecting both joy from the weddings and solemnity from the martyrdom message, describing the day as spiritually enriching and emotionally profound.