The Diocese of Jinja animated this year’s liturgy on 3 June. Every year, Ugandan Dioceses take turns to animate the liturgy at Namugongo Shrine which was on the theme “Lord increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
The celebrations for this year drew pilgrims from within the country including the foreign pilgrims from the neighbouring countries of Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC and Rwanda among others.
The pilgrims used different means of transport to enable them have access to the shrine in a mood of prayer.
Meanwhile, thousands of Christian pilgrims from Lira Diocese in Northern Uganda were reported to have embarked on the holy pilgrimage on foot.
The pilgrims started trekking from the city of Lira a week ago and were expected to reach Namugongo Catholic shrine in Wakiso district, Kampala Archdiocese, on 1st June, a journey of approximately 380 Kms.
In a journey of faith, the pilgrims were accompanied by some consecrated men and women who are serving within the jurisdiction of Lira Diocese.
Before starting off on their journey, the pilgrims are taken through days of spiritual retreat to prepare them and to make them understand the significance of the journey to Namugongo and other designated important places.
History of Uganda Martyrs Day
Uganda Martyrs Day takes place on June 3 every year. This religious holiday has been observed since 1975 and is of great significance to the Ugandan people. It celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the 45 Christians who chose execution rather than renouncing their faith, at a time of great social and political strife caused by religious tensions.
The Ugandan martyrs are hailed as heroes, and in some cases, saints. Though they faced a tragic end, the 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic converts have always been, and will always be, a symbol of inspiration, hope, and unity to Ugandans.
Christian missionaries began trickling into Africa in the late 1800s. The first of them were Catholics. Known as the White Martyrs because of the robes they wore, they traveled by caravan into Central Africa, spreading the gospel as they went. In 1879, the White Martyrs established a mission in Uganda.
The kingdom of Buganda as it was known back then, was one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in the region. Their leader Kabaka Muteesa gave his subjects the freedom to choose their faiths.
Some believed that Christianity was eroding their tradition, culture, and values. When Muteesa died in 1884, his son Kabaka Mwanga ascended to the throne.
Mwanga did not share his father’s tolerance for other religions, and he harbored a strong dislike for Christianity in particular. He felt the missionaries diminished his power, and in 1885, barely a year after becoming the king, he had three missionaries executed.
Later that year, an Anglican bishop and his retinue were murdered. Joseph Makasa, one of Mwanga’s advisors, questioned his king about this and was beheaded for his efforts. Thus, Makasa became the first black martyr.
Mwanga targeted pages who worked with the missionaries, and when Charles Lwanga, a missionary, attempted to shield them, he and 16 of his fellow missionaries were executed. The excuse was that they refused to declare loyalty to the king, but in reality, Mwanga was threatened by their defiance.
When the persecution finally came to an end in 1887, Mwanga had a total of 45 Christians executed — 45 martyrs from the Anglican and Catholic churches. Pope Paul VI canonized the Catholic martyrs in 1964, and on June 3, 1975, he had a shrine dedicated to them. This is why Uganda Martyrs Day is celebrated on June 3 every year.
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