Thousands attend Martyrs’ Day celebrations
Jun 04, 2011
THOUSANDS of pilgrims yesterday flocked to both the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo, near Kampala, to mark the Martyrs day.
By Apollo Mubiru
THOUSANDS of pilgrims yesterday flocked to both the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo, near Kampala, to mark the Martyrs day.
Every June 3, Christians of the two denominations in the region and the rest of Africa pay homage to the 45 Martyrs, who were killed by Buganda King Muwanga II in 1884, for converting to Christianity.
This year’s celebrations at the Catholic shrine were organised by Arua diocese with the Diocesan Bishop Sabino Odoki as the main celebrant.
There was excitement as Christians from Arua diocese carried a Bible in a ‘mobile’ granary amid singing.
They said this signified the word of God, which is food to Christians.
Bishop Sabino described the Martyrs as models for a Christian life, saying they made Uganda to be known to the rest of the world.
Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala were among the Clergy at the main altar erected on a small island in the man-made lake.
The Government was represented by the Vice-President, Edward Ssekandi, who was flanked by several ministers.
Opposition leaders Norbert Mao (DP) and Olara Otunnu (UPC) were among the worshipers at the Namugongo Catholic Basillica.
THOUSANDS of pilgrims yesterday flocked to both the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo, near Kampala, to mark the Martyrs day.
Every June 3, Christians of the two denominations in the region and the rest of Africa pay homage to the 45 Martyrs, who were killed by Buganda King Muwanga II in 1884, for converting to Christianity.
This year’s celebrations at the Catholic shrine were organised by Arua diocese with the Diocesan Bishop Sabino Odoki as the main celebrant.
There was excitement as Christians from Arua diocese carried a Bible in a ‘mobile’ granary amid singing.
They said this signified the word of God, which is food to Christians.
Bishop Sabino described the Martyrs as models for a Christian life, saying they made Uganda to be known to the rest of the world.
Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala were among the Clergy at the main altar erected on a small island in the man-made lake.
The Government was represented by the Vice-President, Edward Ssekandi, who was flanked by several ministers.
Opposition leaders Norbert Mao (DP) and Olara Otunnu (UPC) were among the worshipers at the Namugongo Catholic Basillica.