Uganda Christian University (UCU), which is leading this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebration at Namugongo on June 3, has assembled a powerful 30-member choir to animate the proceedings at the Anglican Site.
The choir, whose earlier membership comprised 250 members, has been reduced to 30 amid ongoing Ebola concerns following an outbreak of the deadly disease in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo this month. This year’s annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations were halted last month after President Museveni announced the outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease when the diocese of Kasese and UCU were in the final stages of preparations.
The choir master, as well as the Chaplain of UCU, Rev Can Paul Waswa, in an interview with Daily Monitor, said the choir is blended of students, staff, and members of the wider church community, reflecting the university’s vibrant worship culture.
“The choir is composed mainly of people from the UCU community, students, staff, and members of our congregations,” he explained. The celebrations will be held under the theme, ‘Christ our peace: Breaking walls, healing the nations.” The theme, drawn from Ephesians 2:14, was chosen to address present-day realities in Uganda, such as broken families, corruption, economic hardships, and injustice.
Rev Waswa noted that the group is not limited to UCU alone but is a fusion of four choirs, brought together to strengthen musical excellence, including the UCU community choir, a joint hymnal choir contributing technical expertise, Kisaasi choir, and a church choir from St Paul Katuso, Buziga.
”It is basically four groups coming together to form a mass choir that will praise the Lord,” he said. Despite the demanding academic schedules of students, Rev Waswa said participation has remained strong. Rehearsals are carefully scheduled in the evenings to avoid class conflicts. ‘We begin rehearsals at 7pm, when most classes are done. Singing becomes a way for students to relax and de-stress,’ he said. ”The choir meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, ensuring consistent preparation ahead of the June 3 event,” he noted.
Rev Waswa explained that worshippers attending the Namugongo celebrations should expect a unique musical experience, combining traditional Anglican hymns and ”contemporary worship that resonates with the current generation”. He also noted that the choir’s growth has been organic, driven by community engagement and digital coordination. A WhatsApp group created earlier in the year has helped in recruiting and retaining members.
”What you sing and share attracts others, people are growing musically and in fellowship, and that sustains attendance,” he said. The choir leader is supported by a team, including the trainer, Mr Allan Mulumba, who has previously trained choirs at St Francis Chapel Makerere University and St Peter’s Church, Kisaasi.
Mr Mulumba explained that eight members have been selected from each of the three groups and six from the fourth group, for a total of 30, to perform at the Anglican site in Namugongo. For those who were not selected, Mr Mulumba said arrangements have been made to keep them engaged. They have participated in services at their respective churches, where they have practiced the same songs to be performed at Namugongo. This approach ensures everyone feels part of the celebration.
‘I started training this choir at the beginning of April, and I believe we are there, ‘ he said. Mr Mulumba acknowledged the challenge of merging singers from different musical backgrounds, particularly introducing classical hymns to a generation more familiar with contemporary styles. Despite the challenges, progress has been significant.
The decision to involve young people was intentional, aimed at giving them exposure and breaking the stereotype that classical church music is reserved for older generations. Tracy Asimira, 10, from St Peter’s Church, Kisaasi, said she was picked because of her soft voice and confidence in participating in the choir. She also said her mother is a choir member too, but not in this particular one of Namugongo.
‘I was inspired by my mother; at first I was shy, but I gained confidence, and I feel so excited to perform at Namugongo since it’s going to be my first time. It feels so good to sing for the Lord at Namugongo. It is all about enjoying God’s word,” she said. Ms Anne Amutos Sekajja, a choir member, said the choir has been preparing for nearly a year through prayer and consistent rehearsals.