Martyrs Day: Museveni, Clergy Call for Religious Tolerance, Civic Duty & Regional Unity

Namugongo, Wakiso – As Uganda commemorated the heroic sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs, leaders and clergy used the occasion to preach messages of religious tolerance, civic responsibility, and African unity.

President Yoweri Museveni, addressing the congregation at the Namugongo Anglican site, urged believers not to mix religion with politics. “Politics is about our welfare on Earth. Denominations and religion are about spirituality on Earth and life after, which religious leaders can explain better,” said Museveni.

He emphasised the secular character of the Ugandan state, quoting scripture to clarify the boundary between governance and faith. “We believe in the freedom of worship… Jesus helped us in Mark 12:17: ‘Give unto God what is God’s and unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,’” he said.

Highlighting the historical resilience of Ugandans, Museveni linked the Martyrs’ sacrifice to the resistance struggle against oppressive regimes, referencing Kikandwa and Luttamaguzi Edidian.

“In the bush, I lived with Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, and traditional believers. We united them around science. A bullet kills. Prayers help, but a reed won’t stop a bullet,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, delivered a powerful sermon calling for both spiritual and social transformation. “Those who died here would not regret their sacrifice if they see what Namugongo has become. What was meant for evil, God has turned into a blessing,” he said.

He condemned substance abuse and advocated for a National Health Insurance Scheme, saying: “Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco… are destroying lives. Some may argue a health insurance scheme is financially impossible, but where there is a will, there is a way.”

The Archbishop also reminded Christians of their civic responsibilities, urging peaceful participation in the 2026 elections. “I call upon all Ugandans to support peace, resist the politics of violence, and go out to vote. Let’s be good stewards of this nation,” he added.

Hon. Martin Mugarra, State Minister for Tourism, praised Uganda’s emergence as a faith tourism hub: “They [pilgrims] spend weeks in Uganda, contribute to our economy, and return spiritually renewed,” he noted, thanking President Museveni for signing the Museum and Monuments Act, which protects sites like Namugongo.

The celebration also marked 140 years since the martyrdom of 45 Ugandan Christians under King Mwanga between 1885 and 1887. International pilgrims from Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, and beyond joined the local faithful.

Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, former Archbishop, concluded the day’s preaching with a powerful reminder: “The foundation of the Church in Uganda is based on the sacrifices and the blood of the martyrs. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”