By Benedict Mukoni…………….
Thousands of devoted Catholic pilgrims from Uganda, Africa and beyond embarked on a journey to Namugongo, braving heat, rain, and rough terrain to Commemorate the Uganda Martyrs’ day on June 03, 2025 at the Shrine. Some pilgrims walked for over a week, demonstrating their determination and devotion.
The 2025 Martyrs’ day commemoration was led by Lugazi Diocese who triumphantly arrived at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine on June 1, 2025, filling the atmosphere with songs of praise and worship ahead of the grand commemoration.
Under the theme: “Oh Lord, let me see again, I, Your pilgrim of Hope,” the commemoration commenced with a procession of Bishops and Priests, to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which was led by Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese in commemoration of the courage that Uganda Martyrs had in their faith. It was inclusive in nature that the first reading was taken by a blind person.
In his homily, Bishop Kakooza told pilgrims that a pilgrimage of hope is an eternal spiritual journey that unfolds in daily life through prayer and acts of charity. All pilgrims participate in this spiritual journey in communion with God and others, he added.
“Though full of challenges, the pilgrimage of hope is a journey of resilience, moments of doubt and suffering but hope enables us to persevere. Hope reminds us that our struggles are temporary. The holy martyrs of Uganda were inspired to understand this and were ready to suffer in hope of what was to come.” Bishop Kakooza comforted the pilgrims.
The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere Congratulated Lugazi Diocese under the reign of Bishop Kakooza saying “You have offered us not just a celebration, but a deeply moving spiritual encounter. We thank you for shepherding this mission with clarity, grace, and zeal.”
According to Hid Grace Ssemogerere, pilgrims are not only merely remembering history but they are reawakening a national conscience and renewing a flame of hope, that no darkness can extinguish.
He appealed to the pilgrims to pray through the Martyrs for clarity in a time where the world tempts and compromise them. He also urged the congregation to avoid tribalism and sectarianism politics because unity in Christ is stronger than any ethnic bond.
“We are all one in Christ Jesus, as we read in Galatians 3. Let us reject hatred, reject division and violence. Let us say no to bad language. Let our only label be, we are all children of God.” His grace noted.
The out-going Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Luigi Bianco, expressed gratitude to all the people of Uganda for being hospitable and collaborative during his mission in Uganda.
Among other distinguished guests who attended the Martyrs Day Celebrations were Members of Parliament, Ministers and the Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo. She conveyed a message to the pilgrims on behalf of the government of Uganda which contributed UGX 2 billion to support the occasion.
The Uganda Martyrs’ Day Commemoration is held annually on June 03, led by a different diocese every year.
