Gulu Archbishop calls for moral courage inspired by Uganda Martyrs

GULU - The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, His Grace Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, has challenged Christians across the country to embrace the spiritual fortitude needed to boldly reject evil ways and contemporary vices.

Speaking during a high-profile Mass held to mark Uganda Martyrs Day at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu city, Archbishop Wokorach drew deep parallels between the unwavering faith of the historic martyrs and the moral choices facing modern believers.

He called on the faithful to fearlessly reject corrupt paths, reminding them that the Uganda Martyrs courageously stood up against a suspicious and hostile monarchy to preserve their faith.

A call to resist modern vices

In his homily, Archbishop Wokorach turned his attention particularly to the younger generation, urging them to emulate the steadfast devotion of the martyrs by resisting negative political influences and societal evils.

"Let us be strong and say no to evil ways. The political way of Uganda is to resists," the Archbishop stated, rallying the congregation to stand firm against institutional and moral decay.

He expressed concern about the vulnerabilities young people face today, reminding Christians that the foundational pillars of the Church in Uganda were built on the courage of resilient youth.

"Among the martyrs killed were young people who bearded harsh ways of the Kabaka until they were killed," Wokorach noted, emphasising that age should never be an excuse for moral compromise.

The Prelate made an earnest appeal to parents and the wider Christian community to actively mentor young people, saying, "Let us always teach them to learn to say No to all the evil ways so that we are able to help them to be another martyr."

He noted that intentional spiritual guidance is key to ensuring the faith of the younger generation does not waver in the face of modern temptations.

The roots of royal paranoia

Reflecting on the historical context of the Uganda Martyrs, Archbishop Wokorach recounted the intense cultural and geopolitical friction that swept through the Buganda Kingdom in the late 19th century.

The arrival of Islamic traders, followed by Anglican missionaries in 1877 and Catholic missionaries in 1879, sparked growing suspicion within the royal court.

Unlike his father, Kabaka Mwanga refused to tolerate the growing missionary presence when he assumed leadership. Influenced by Muslim traders who showered him with lavish gifts and guided by witchdoctors, the young king became increasingly paranoid.

The Archbishop explained that the Kabaka grew suspicious and hostile towards Christians who recited the Lord’s Prayer ("Our Father"). To the monarch, references to a heavenly kingdom were misinterpreted as a political challenge, leading him to believe another king was coming to overthrow his earthly rule.

Supreme sacrifice for the faith

This paranoia escalated into a violent campaign of state-sponsored persecution. When Bishop Hannington travelled from Jinja to meet local Christians in Kampala, the Kabaka viewed his arrival as the fulfilment of his fears of a rival Christian ruler. The Bishop was arrested and executed upon reaching Kampala.

The persecution intensified on November 15, 1885, when Joseph Balikuddembe became the first palace martyr to be killed under suspicion of being linked to the perceived incoming king. Balikuddembe sealed his fate when he boldly confronted the Kabaka, declaring "that he had no power to kill."

The Archbishop also highlighted the martyrdom of Denis Ssebugwawo, a young page favoured by the Kabaka. After missing a royal hunting expedition because he had gone to learn catechism, court elders informed the King that he had joined the "new religion".

Ssebugwawo was subsequently arrested and executed at Munyonyo in Kampala.

Archbishop Wokorach concluded by reminding the faithful that Uganda Martyrs Day is not merely a historical commemoration, but a celebration of individuals who resisted negative influences and remained rooted in Christ.

He challenged Ugandans to draw inspiration from their courage in their daily lives.