Religious leaders have urged Christians to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day through prayers at local churches, family devotions and virtual services after this year’s national pilgrimage to Namugongo was called off due to the Ebola outbreak.
Today’s commemoration will be the second time since the Covid-19 pandemic that thousands of pilgrims are unable to gather physically at the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine and the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site, where annual celebrations traditionally attract worshippers from across Uganda and beyond.
On May 17, President Museveni announced the postponement of the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, citing public health concerns arising from the outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.
Following the postponement, both the Catholic and Anglican churches advised Christians to participate in prayers from their local places of worship and homes while following services through television, radio and online platforms.
Rev Fr Vincent Lubega, the parish priest of Namugongo Catholic Parish, urged Christians who will remain at home to follow prayers through television and radio broadcasts, including Radio Maria, which will air Mass live.
“During the time of Covid-19, we used to follow virtual celebrations. You can switch on your television when Mass begins and follow the ceremony wherever you are,” Fr Lubega said.
He also encouraged Catholics to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs, noting that there are special prayers dedicated to them.
“There are prayers for the Uganda Martyrs, including the Litany of the Uganda Martyrs. Even if you do not have access to a television or radio, you can use a prayer booklet and pray through the litany,” he said.
The Anglican Church has similarly encouraged believers to participate in the celebrations virtually by following services on television and online platforms.
Rev Canon Henry Segawa, the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary, said the service from the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site will be broadcast live on television and digital platforms starting at 9am.
He urged Christians to dedicate time to personal prayer and reflection despite the absence of the traditional pilgrimage.
Rev John Kitayimbwa, the chairperson of the organising committee, said prayers at the Anglican site will be led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
He encouraged Christians to actively participate in the celebrations from their homes.
“If you are celebrating at home, participate in the singing and dancing, celebrate with your family, listen to the Word of God and spend time in personal prayer,” Rev Kitayimbwa said.
Religious leaders noted that although believers will miss the experience of gathering physically at Namugongo, the essence of Uganda Martyrs Day remains rooted in faith, prayer and reflection on the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs who died for their beliefs.
They said the commemoration offers Christians an opportunity to renew their faith and reflect on the witness of the martyrs, regardless of where they celebrate from.
Every year on June 3, thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda, Africa and other parts of the world travel to the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine and the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site in Wakiso District to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day.
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The celebrations honour the 45 Uganda Martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 because of their Christian faith. The martyrs were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda after refusing to renounce their beliefs, and they remain a powerful symbol of faith, courage and religious conviction for millions of Christians across the world.