Bishop Kakooza rallies Catholics for Martyrs' day

By David Lumu

KAMPALA - The Auxiliary Bishop of Kampala Archdiocese Christopher Kakooza has urged Ugandans to emulate the Uganda Martyrs’ passion for Christ.

He said Uganda is “so lucky” to have martyrs but that the citizens “don’t seem to understand the importance of these martyrs.”

He made these remarks while presiding over prayers held to mark the 30th anniversary of Saint Matia Mulumba Catholic Parish at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School grounds on Sunday.

“This is a season of the Uganda Martyrs. Pilgrims have started walking to Namugongo in preparation for the June 3 event.  However, some people here don’t know that we are lucky to have what makes people walk miles and miles,” he said.

“For us we are lucky that we have the Uganda Martyrs here but we need to know why people from outside Uganda walk miles and miles. Ugandans should embrace this spirit,” he added.

In his sermon, Kakooza also emphasized the great love for Christ that the Martyrs had, especially Matia Mulumba, who died at Old Kampala.

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Ethics minister Fr. Rev Simon Lokodo (L) also attended the function. PHOTO/Nicholas Kajoba

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Parish Priest Fr. Denis Ssebuggwawo (L) and Kampala Auxillary Bishop, Christopher Kakooza  hand over marriage certificates to couples  at the event. PHOTO/Nicholas Kajoba

Saint Matia Mulumba church was built at the site where Mulumba was killed in 1886.

Fr. Dennis Sebugwawo, the parish priest said that the occasion was also used by followers to celebrate 50 years since the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs and prepare for the main event on June 3.

Bishop Kakooza led the fundraising drive for the church, which was established by White Fathers.

Sh1.7b is needed for the construction of a complex to house a nursery school, recreational halls and youth centers.

At the function, Fr. Rev Simon Lokodo, the minister for ethics, pledged government support for the complex.

The minister went on to urge Ugandans to go to make pilgrimage to Namugongo and celebrate Martyrs’ day.

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