UGANDA MARTYRS CELEBRATED COLORFULLY

By Francis Jjunu

The years Uganda martyrs day celebrations has ended colourfully and peacefully with again a record number of pilgrims who trekked long journeys from here and abroad to take part of the 131 anniversary since the killing of the Uganda Martyrs by King Mwanga II.

The celebrations at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo led by Hoima diocese, the ordinary Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Kirabo reminded pilgrims to build their faith on the spirit of Uganda martyrs who exhibited a high degree of discipleship to God.

Noting from the theme of the celebrations; Stand firm in the faith that you have been taught Colossians 2:7, Bishop Kirabo said Christians should live a true virtue of Christianity free from corruption, hypocrisy irresponsible sense of leadership and anger among other actions that abuse God. He emphasized a life sustained by individual commitment inspired by the Uganda martyrs to be true witnesses of the Catholic Church.

The Archbishop of Kampala Dr.Cyprian Kizito Lwanga in his speech said pilgrims do not go to Namugongo for tourism but to pray for their needs, acknowledging the contribution of the missionaries who evangelized this country and the martyrs and government which has invested a lot of resources to transform the martyr’s shrine.

The Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference Most Rev. John Baptist Odama in his speech prayed for the 23 year old Scovia Molo from Alebtong District a three months expectant mother who died on her way to Namugongo by foot at Matugga.

The Pope Nuncio Archbishop Michael August Blume reminded the gathering of the pope’s call not to lose memory on the spirit and lessons drawn for the love, zeal and love of the Uganda martyrs for their God.

President Museveni who was represented by his Vice Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi challenged people to jealously protect Uganda’s natural creation and spiritual gift that have supported development adding that people must use the available resources to develop themselves especially in fighting hunger.

Close to 2.5 million pilgrims have attended this year’s Uganda Martyrs day celebration at both the Catholic and Anglican martyrs sites drawn from as far as United Kingdom, America, France, DR.Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, South Sudan and South Africa among others.