Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations were yesterday marked not by the traditional crowds at Namugongo but by thousands of Christians gathering in churches across the country due to Ebola concerns.
The government and religious leaders scaled down this year’s celebrations and encouraged worshippers to mark the day in their dioceses and parishes to minimise the risk of disease transmission following the Ebola outbreak in the region.
From Arua to Kabale, Lira to Masaka, and Jinja to Tororo, churches held special prayer services as Christians remembered the 45 Uganda Martyrs who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.
At St Mary’s Assumpta Ragem Catholic Parish in Arua Diocese, Parish Priest Fr Thomas Opolot urged Christians to emulate the courage and steadfastness of the martyrs.
‘They were ready to die for their faith, something that is not easy to do. They teach us to remain courageous amid the challenges we encounter and not allow difficulties to divert us from our faith,’ Fr Opolot said.
He also appealed to worshippers to observe Ebola prevention measures and cooperate with health authorities.
At Christ the King Church in Arua City, Parish Priest Fr Pius Yobuta encouraged Christians to seek forgiveness and remain committed to righteous living.
Ms Terezina Munduru, a worshipper from Ojulua Chapel in Arua, said she had planned to travel to Namugongo to pray for her unemployed children.
‘I wanted to present my family’s challenges before God at Namugongo, but we have had to celebrate from here,’ she said.
In Koboko District, the Bishop of Madi and West Nile Diocese, Rt Rev Charles Collins Andaku, confirmed 153 believers into the Anglican faith during Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
In Masaka Diocese, Bishop Severus Jjumba urged Christians not to lose hope despite the challenges posed by disease outbreaks and other hardships.
He recalled how the diocese’s preparations to lead the national Martyrs’ Day celebrations in 2020 were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We have experienced this before. We should not lose hope because of challenges such as Ebola. God remains in control,’ Bishop Jjumba said.
Elsewhere in eastern Uganda, religious leaders used the occasion to condemn corruption and tribalism, describing them as threats to national unity and development.
Speaking at St Peter’s Cathedral in Tororo, Bukedi Diocese Bishop Samuel George Bogere urged Ugandans to reject ethnic divisions and embrace accountability.
‘Corruption and tribalism continue to undermine social cohesion and development. We must promote transparency, justice and service for the common good,’ he said.
In Bugiri, the bishop of East Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Paul Hannington Suubi, called on Ugandans to set aside political differences and work together for national development.
Addressing worshippers at St Stephen’s Cathedral, he also urged Christians to support government efforts to contain Ebola.
‘We should cooperate fully with the Ministry of Health and continue praying for those affected by the disease,’ Bishop Suubi said.
At Busanzi Catholic Church in Bugiri Municipality, Rev Fr Joseph Ndase encouraged believers to remain steadfast in prayer and trust in God during difficult times.
Appeal
In Jinja City, the Dean of Bugembe Christ Cathedral, Rev Dr Joy Mukisa, delivered Martyrs’ Day messages through local radio stations, urging Christians to remain firm in their faith and draw inspiration from the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs.
In Lira City, hundreds of Christians gathered at Uganda Martyrs’ Cathedral for special prayers.
In Kamuli District, Parish Priest Rev Fr Ben Kyumakiyaka Wakabi said the restrictions had unexpectedly provided an opportunity for Christians to reconnect with their local faith communities.
‘Ebola has given pilgrims an opportunity to rediscover local commitment to their faith and appreciate the contribution of homegrown martyrs such as Gonzaga Gonza and Matia Mulumba,’ he said.
At St Matthew Catholic Parish in Masindi, worshippers observed social distancing while attending a special Martyrs’ Day Mass. Religious leaders urged Christians to remain steadfast despite life’s challenges.
In Mpigi District, during prayers held in remembrance of martyr Yozefu Mukasa Balikuddembe at Lusinga Village, Fr Leonard Musisi expressed concern over declining participation in church activities.
He said many believers were increasingly turning to occultism and fortune tellers instead of seeking spiritual guidance through the Church.
In Kabale District, Bishop Callist Rubaramira urged Christians to remain committed to God regardless of life’s difficulties.
At Christ the King Church in Kabale Municipality, diocesan pastoral coordinator Rev Fr Fidelis Ndagyijimana reminded worshippers that suffering is part of the Christian journey, adding that it should strengthen rather than weaken faith.
Meanwhile, at All Saints Cathedral in Mbarara City, Rev Patrick Atuhaire urged Christians to join efforts to combat corruption, describing integrity as one of the values exemplified by the Uganda Martyrs.