Lira bishop urges Christians to emulate Uganda Martyrs in daily life

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The Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese, Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on Christians to emulate the Uganda Martyrs so that the celebration may be meaningful in their lives.

Bishop Wanok made the appeal while delivering his sermon during the Eucharistic Celebration to mark Uganda Martyrs Day on June 3 at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Lira, a church dedicated to the Holy Martyrs located in Lira City.

“Ugandans should avoid things that are not Christian, like immorality, drug abuse and corruption, which deviate us from following Christ,” Bishop Wanok said.

Adyel Zone Catholic Choir animating the Mass during the Martyrs Day celebrations at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)

Flower Girls dancers ministering during the Mass in celebration of Martyrs Day at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)

He also encouraged people to work hard and avoid laziness, describing it as an ungodly act.

“People don’t want to work; every time they have a lot of holidays and moving around, and all these were shunned by the Uganda Martyrs, and therefore, we are calling all to begin from home; they must take this very seriously,” he added.

The Bishop further called for unity among citizens, saying it would help them overcome temptations that lead to ungodly behaviour.

He also applauded President Yoweri Museveni for calling off this year’s pilgrimage to Namugongo, saying it helped reduce the risk of Ebola disease transmission.

Wanok further thanked pilgrims from the Lango region for responding positively to the presidential directive and returning to celebrate the day in their respective parishes.

The Holy Mass was animated by the Catholic Choir of Adyel zone, which performed nostalgic hymns traditionally sung at Namugongo during national celebrations. Former foot pilgrims who used to trek to Kampala also displayed their devotion, creating moments of joy and reflection among congregants.

Rev. Fr Emmanuel Opio, the parish priest of Lira Cathedral, said the cancellation of the mass pilgrimage to Namugongo had given parishioners an opportunity to celebrate Martyrs Day together and contribute towards the development of the home church.

During the Holy Mass, a mini fundraising drive was conducted to support the construction of a modern parking lot and sanitary facilities for the church. Construction had already begun a month earlier, funded by sh100m donated by President Museveni in 2015.