Anglican Church needs sh1bn for Martyrs Day

The Anglican organising committee for this year's Martyrs Day celebrations promised "real" praise on June 3, as they continue to fine tune a choir of more than 300 people who will lead the worship that day.

Jackson Ole Sapit, the Archbishop of Kenya, is expected to be the main preacher at the highly revered celebrations at Namugongo in Wakiso.

Bishop Stephen Kazimba-Mugalu, the chairperson for the preparations, said the Anglican Church is seeking sh1b to make the day more colourful and memorable.

"Our budget is approximately sh600m, but we also want to contribute sh400m to the Uganda Martyrs museum," said Kazimba-Mugalu, also the Bishop of Mityana Diocese.

He said the church expects more than 70,000 pilgrims on the day, 20,000 more than the persons who trekked to the celebrations last year, with many expected from Nigeria and other Africa countries.

Martyrs Day is a special celebration of courage of the 45 (23 Anglican and 22 Catholic) Christian converts who Kabaka Mwanga executed between January 1885 and January 1887 for their faith.

The martyrs are admired and nationally considered symbols of faith, whose courage spread the seed of Christianity.

Pope Paul VI canonised the 22 Catholic martyrs at a function at St Peter's Basilica in Rome in 1964, and the men have since become saints.

Kazimba-Mugalu said the church takes great pride in the martyrs as they were not only believers who the other worshipers can emulate, but they are also part of Uganda's heritage.

He said the church will hold a special pilgrimage for children on May 26 and another one for youths the day after, as part of activities.

There will also be special sessions for men and women at Namugongo to celebrate the day.