Diocese of Kasese to lead Uganda Martyrs Day 2026, Bishop Kibira officially Announces during MEPA Pilgrimage 2025

The MEPA (Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Annual) pilgrimage to Namugongo took place on Sunday, November 9, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across the five dioceses of the province: Kasese, Mbarara, Hoima, Kabale and Fort Portal.

The pilgrimage was led by Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, Bishop of the Diocese of Kasese, who presided over the solemn Mass at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo. During the celebration, Bishop Kibira officially announced that the Diocese of Kasese will lead the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, 2026.

In his homily, Bishop Kibira called upon the faithful to embrace the humility and faith exemplified by the Holy Uganda Martyrs. He reminded the pilgrims that the blood of the martyrs became the seed of faith for the Church in Uganda and beyond. “The Uganda Martyrs stood firm in their faith even unto death; may we too live with humility, courage, and deep trust in God,” he said.

The bishop extended his heartfelt appreciation to Centenary Bank Kasese Branch for partnering with him at the beginning of the diocese’s preparation journey toward leading the 2026 celebrations. He urged all Christians to support this great mission both spiritually and financially. “This is our moment as a diocese to witness to the faith. I invite all people of God to walk with us in prayer, unity, and generosity,” he emphasized.

Bishop Kibira also expressed his gratitude to the Kasese Kampala Catholic Community (KKACCO) under MEPA for their continuous support to diocesan programs, particularly the ongoing construction of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kasese. He commended MEPA leaders for organizing the pilgrimage and mobilizing a large number of pilgrims to attend the event. He further thanked the choir for their vibrant and prayerful animation of the liturgy, which filled the celebration with joy and devotion.

He went on to announce that the Central Executive Committee for the 2026 Namugongo celebration is already in place and preparations are actively underway. “Our committee is ready and working diligently to ensure that the Diocese of Kasese shines in faith and unity when it takes the lead in 2026,” he noted, calling for collective effort from clergy, religious, and laity.

In further speeches, the head of the Catholic laity in Uganda, Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, who serves as president of the Uganda National Catholic Council of Lay Apostolate (UNCCLA), commended the Diocese of Kasese for the lively and prayerful animation of the Mass during the MEPA pilgrimage at Namugongo. He expressed gratitude to the Kasese Kampala Catholic Community (KKACCO) and MEPA for their excellent organization and impressive turnout of pilgrims. Mr. Ndyanabo further pledged the laity’s full support to Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira and the Diocese of Kasese in their spiritual and logistical preparations for leading the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations in 2026.

In a symbolic handover, Bishop Kibira passed the MEPA candle to the Bishop of Hoima Diocese and the HOIDERA community, marking them as the animators of the MEPA pilgrimage in November 2026. The event was graced by all MEPA bishops, led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese, together with priests, religious men and women, and hundreds of pilgrims who witnessed the spiritual and historic moment at Namugongo.