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.
At this year’s Martyrs Day, the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala recalled the faith, resilience, unity, and witnessing to Christ of the Ugandan Martyrs.
“The martyrs’ story is a powerful reminder of the cost of standing up for one’s faith and the enduring power of such a stand. It is therefore not a day of mourning but a celebration of the triumph of faith over fear,” Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere said on June 3.
He added, “As we commemorate this day, let us draw inspiration from their courage and commitment, striving to uphold the values they so bravely defended.”
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.
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.
“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.
On his part, the representative of the Holy Father in Uganda described the solemnity of the Ugandan martyrs as “a special moment of faith and grace”, noting that the martyrs invite the people of God to be witnesses of Christ in their lives.
“The Christian faith is strengthened by the example and intercession of the martyrs,” Archbishop Luigi Bianco said.
