Cardinal Turkson Urges Catholics to Emulate Uganda’s Martyrs' Integrity to Build a “corruption-free” Africa

Kampala, 22 October, 2024 / 9:04 PM

Ghanaian-born Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson, who serves as the Chancellor of the Roman Curia, has called on Catholics to emulate the Ugandan Martyrs' values of faith, integrity, and transparency.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, Cardinal Turkson underscored the need to fight corruption, drawing inspiration from the martyrs. 

“We must become builders of hope, upholding gospel values and working toward a corruption-free Africa,” Cardinal Turkson said at the Sunday, October 20 event that was held in Rome.

The Ghanaian Cardinal lauded the Ugandan Martyrs as “true Africans transformed by the Gospel into worthy disciples of Jesus.” 

“The Ugandan Martyrs teach us valuable lessons,” he said, and added, “Their witness inspires us to create a better future for our land and people.”

Cardinal Turkson emphasized the youthful spirit of the martyrs, pointing out that Charles Lwanga and his companions were young adults who lived by gospel values. 

The Vatican-based Cardinal noted that the example of the Ugandan Martyrs serves as a call for today's youth to reconnect with their faith.

On his part, the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco described the Martyrs as “an extraordinary example of commitment and fidelity to the Lord, models of faith and hope, and authentic witnesses of truth and communion.”

Their testimony, Archbishop Luigi continued, “is a call to all to become beacons of hope and instruments of peace, as well as promoters and defenders of the God-given dignity of every human person."

Also speaking at the October 20 event, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala lauded the Martyrs as “Uganda's luminous heroes, models and mentors of the Catholic faith.”

He expressed profound gratitude to those who contributed to their canonization.

Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) spoke about the Martyrs' impact on the growth of faith in Uganda and worldwide.

“We recognize the significance of the Martyrs in the growth of faith in our country and the rest of the world. The Martyrs are a special contribution by Uganda to Christianity in general, and for this, we are grateful to the Almighty God,” the UEC President in his speech read by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbarara

He added, “The heroic act of the Martyrs challenges us to witness Christ in all situations, including those we may consider difficult.”

On his part, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese emphasized the Martyrs' bravery and devotion.

During the Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis extended a special greeting to a large group of Ugandan pilgrims, including the Vice President of Uganda,  Jessica Alupo.

The group traveled to Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.

“I greet the large group of Ugandan pilgrims, with the Vice President of the country, who have come sixty years after the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs,” the Pope said.