Martyrs Day Celebrations at Namugongo-Thousands attend.

 "I do not call you Servants but Friends". This was the theme for the day as thousands of pilgrims from all over the World converged at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Uganda to celebrate the annual Martyrs Day on Monday 3rd June.

The day, organised by Mbarara Archdiocese attracted Pilgrims from Kenya, Tanzania, Swaziland, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Australia, Germany, and many other countries.

Pilgrims at the Martyrs Shrine.

The main celebrant was the Archbishop of Mbarara Diocese His Grace Paul K. Bakyenga. He welcomed all the Pilgrims and thanked them for the strong faith manifested through their trekking from the far corners of the world with many of them mainly on foot.

His Grace also thanked the Government of Uganda for declaring 3rd June a public holiday to commemorate the 22 Catholic Martyrs who were killed by Kabaka Mwanga for refusing to denounce their faith and decision to follow Jesus Christ.

He called upon all Christians who love to pay respect to ancestors to do so to the very fist ancestors "The Uganda Martyrs".

He advised Ugandans to uphold the Uganda Moto, "For God and my Country", as well as the National Anthem and put into practice the words of these two special features of Uganda.

He challenged Ugandan Leaders to emulate the Uganda Martyrs and serve their people with zeal and total commitment to their vows. He advised them not to make laws that will contradict God's will.

He also applauded the security personnel in and around the Martyrs shrine for the job well done in ensuring that the celebrations were violence free.

Pilgrims lining up for Security check at the
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

 He decried the ever increasing cases of Sexual immorality (Homosexuality and Lesbianism), theft both in homes and public offices, murder, adultery, family breakups, drug abuse which have led to decline in faith.

To the media, Bakyenga said "We love you the media people and appreciate the work you do for us and for the Nation". He thanked both the print and visual media houses for publicising the day and making it known to the world.

He requested the media to add a religious column in their content so as to promote the word of God and help to strengthen the faith of all Christians.

He thanked the organisers of this year and all contributors to the success of the day.

He ended his speech with a sad message of the death of one of his Priests, Fr. Charles Lwanga Mugisha who was involved in a car accident and died after he had made it to the Martyrs shrine.

The celebrations were graced by the Pope's Country representative, the Vice President, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Religious and Cultural leaders from across the Country.