President Museveni Applauds Uganda Martyrs for Upholding their Faith

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI APPLAUDS UGANDA MARTYRS FOR UPHOLDING THEIR FAITH

By Ronald Peter Mugerwa

The president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently applauded the Uganda Martyrs for resisting Kabaka Mwanga when he tried to deter them from practicing their faith between 1885-1887.

Addressing the congregation on the 3rd of June that had gathered to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo Martyrs grounds, President Museveni in a speech read by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, decried Mwanga’s use of violence to deter the early Christians from practicing their faith. Museveni noted that “despite the fact that his violence had irreversible consequences, it didn’t deter the growth of Christianity. He shouldn’t have used violence to oppose their ideas.

“The President reminded the Congregation gathered at Namugongo that the heart of Christianity is the love of God and the love of one another (Mark 12:30-31). He further noted the numerical growth of Christianity over the years due to the martyrdom; and he also applauded the support of the Catholic Church in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in Uganda.

 This year’s celebration was organized and led by Fort Portal diocese under theme: “BAPTIZED AND SENT TO WITNESS CHRIST WITH LOVE AND HOPE.” The mass was presided over by Rt Reverend Dr. Robert Muhiirwa the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese.

Preaching at the celebration, Bishop Muhiirwa thanked God for enabling Christians to come together once again to celebrate the martyrs. He challenged the pilgrims to lead exemplary lives and learn from the martyrs who had unwavering faith, were concerned about justice, and abandoned sorcery or witchcraft. The bishop thanked everyone who contributed towards the success of the day that honors celebrates the Uganda martyrs.

Co-Presiders at the beautifully organized grand mass included the Archbishop of Tororo His Grace Emmanuel Obbo, the Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda Louis Bianco. There were hundreds of religious men and women in attendance; and thousands of lay Christians in attendance some of whom had walked for weeks to make it to the pilgrimage site.

The function was attended by other dignitaries such as the King of Tooro His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru; the Speaker of Parliament Rt Honorable Anita Annet Among, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Honorable Mathias-Mpuuga, the Chief Justice, several government ministers and members of parliament.