Hundreds Participate in Walk of Faith Ahead of 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day
Hundreds Participate in Walk of Faith Ahead of 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day
Kampala: In a spirit of deep devotion and reverence, hundreds of Catholic faithful today 31st May 2025 , took part in a symbolic Walk of Faith from Munyonyo Martyrs Basilica to St. Matia Mulumba Parish in Old Kampala.
The spiritual journey, which commenced at 8:30 a.m. and concluded at 3:00 p.m., was organized as part of the preparations for the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, led this year by Lugazi Diocese.
The walk served not only as a tribute to the Uganda Martyrs but also as a personal spiritual pilgrimage for many, inspired by the courage and unwavering faith of the martyrs. 
At the start of the walk, Fr. Wojtek Ulman who is known by the name Fr. Male, the shrine rector of Munyonyo, offered a moving historical reflection on the sacred grounds. He highlighted the life and martyrdom of St. Andrew Kaggwa, who, though not a Muganda, was dearly loved by the king for his humility and service. Kaggwa, who was in charge of preparing catechumens, was among the first to be martyred for the Catholic faith.
“St. Andrew Kaggwa was brutally killed here, chopped into pieces,” Fr. Male narrated. “He reminds us to preach the gospel not only with our lips but with our entire lives. As the king once said, ‘If you will not kill Andrew Kaggwa, Christianity will not end in your kingdom.’” He also gave a historical back ground of other Martyrs like Denis Ssebugwaawo, Ponsiano Ngondwe as away of inspiring the massive crowd on their devotion and love for Christ and religion.
Representing the Uganda Tourism Board and the Government of Uganda, Marketing Manager Francis Nyende commended the pilgrims for their devotion. “Your journey to Munyonyo and Namugongo not only honors the martyrs but also contributes to the spiritual growth of our country,” he said.
The walk culminated with a powerful message from Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who paid tribute to the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga for his efforts in developing the Munyonyo shrine and entrusting its care to Fr. Male. The Archbishop emphasized the need for faithful witness in today’s world.
“The time for physical martyrdom is gone. Today, we must be living witnesses, people who care for society by living truthfully, not stealing, and being examples of Christ,” Archbishop Ssemogerere urged.
He called on the faithful to pray for the laity, for young people, and especially for priests. “We don’t just need many priests; we need good priests,” he added.
The Walk of Faith left many especially those along the city streets inspired, as Uganda prepares to mark yet another Martyrs Day on June 3rd with renewed commitment to faith and service.