Uganda Martyrs Day Marks Triumph of Faith over Fear, not Time to Mourn: Archbishop

“The celebration encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and support religious freedom and tolerance,” he said and added that the event is “a compass of steadfast belief and moral integrity for human existence.”

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The celebration, Archbishop Ssemogerere said, “underscores the endurance legacy of the martyrs and their role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Uganda.

“As we commemorate this day, let us draw inspiration from their courage and commitment, striving to uphold the values they so bravely defended,” said the 67-year-old Local Ordinary of Kampala Archdiocese since January 2022.

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The Uganda Martyrs’ Day dates back to the first decade of Christian presence in the East African nation when 45 men aged between 14 to 50 years were killed by the King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887 because of their Christian faith.

Among the 45 were 22 Catholics beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964 who continue to promote Catholic life in the country and also play an important role in constructing a Catholic identity globally.

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Namugongo shrine is a large property covering the site where St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, who included pages at the royal court, were burned alive by the order of Kabaka (King) Mwanga II of the Buganda kingdom.

In his June 3 speech, Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the people of God in the East African region and beyond to emulate the lives of the martyrs by choosing a path of virtue and righteousness.

“We live in a society that is increasingly consumed by vice and immorality such as malicious prosecutions, social and political marginalization, hostility, fornication, murder, theft, corruption, and embezzlement of public funds, among others,” the Ugandan Archbishop said.

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He invited Christians of their responsibility to serve and lead by example, saying, “Even when the task seems too much, the obstacles too great, the resources too few, it should never be forgotten that yours is a holy work and you must stick to it.”

The Ugandan Archbishop reiterated Pope Francis’ message during his visit to the country in 2015 in which the Holy Father urged the people of God to be witnesses of Christ just like the martyrs.

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“The pope said that the example of the martyrs should guide Catholics in their daily struggle to live the gospel of Christ through word and action. He showed solidarity with the poor and the weak and urged Ugandans to do the same,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader lauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his support for the Catholic Church in the country and his government for making June 3 a public holiday to give the people ample time for prayer.

Archbishop Ssemogerere further thanked the Ugandan head of state for his “willingness to lend a helping hand and offer guidance” whenever called upon. 

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He said, “I recall that since many years back you have journeyed with us here at Namugongo. Your contribution towards today's celebrations and the construction of the presbytery here at Namugongo is well received.”

The Ugandan Archbishop expressed hope that President Museveni would support the Catholic Church in Uganda in making the Namugongo Shrine a better spiritual and tourist attraction center.