President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday contributed Ushs1.3 billion to the Nebbi Catholic Diocese in preparation for this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.
The Nebbi Catholic Diocese has been tasked with leading the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations slated for June 3, marking the second time Diocese will lead the prayers in Namugongo, following their previous leadership in 2007.
The annual event pays homage to the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs, who were executed for their faith on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom between 1885 and 1887.
The Apostolic Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Raphael Wokorach, who led the religious delegation to meet President Museveni, emphasised the significance of this year’s celebrations, coinciding with the diamond jubilee since the canonization of the 22 Uganda martyrs, saints revered by the Church.
“We made a budget and engaged our people to raise the money to make sure the preparations are smooth. Up to now, we have raised Ushs500 million for additional preparatory needs, but the budget goes up to UShs1.3 billion. That is where we have expressed our desire to ask for your support to ensure these celebrations are held at a level that is respected internationally,” remarked the Archbishop.
On his part, President Museveni congratulated the Rt. Rev. Wokorach for being elected as the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese and wished him well in his tenure.
The President commended the Archbishop’s vision for the diocese, emphasising the need for sustainable agricultural practices to improve livelihoods in the region.
He also provided valuable insights into agricultural practices, specifically addressing the issue of extensive agriculture in the West Nile region. He advised the community to transition to intensive agriculture, emphasising the importance of maximising productivity on limited land.
The origins of Uganda Martyrs’ Day can be traced to the first ten years of Christian presence in the East African nation when the King of Buganda executed 45 men, aged 14 to 50, for their religious beliefs between January 31, 1885, and January 27, 1887.
The event attracts millions of pilgrims across the world and starts a month earlier with pilgrims walking thousands of kilometers to Namugongo in honor of the Uganda martyrs, celebrated for bravery and courage in christian faith.
