The Morning Glory Choir from St. Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda in Entebbe has emerged victorious at the 2025 National Martyrs Choral Festival Finale, clinching the top spot in the Anglican category with 259 votes.
Their inspiring performance saw them rise above the Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir and The Shepherd’s Choir from St. Augustine Church of Uganda.
The choir walked away with a grand prize of UGX 10 million, courtesy of Equity Bank Uganda, the lead sponsor of this year’s festival.
In the same Anglican category, The Shepherd’s Choir secured third place and received a cash prize of UGX 3 million in recognition of their musical excellence and dedication.
St. Charles Lwanga Lubaga Cathedral Choir won the National Martyrs Choral Festival Finale on the Catholic side.
On the Catholic side, All Saints Choir from Christ the King Catholic Parish, Arua Diocese, took third place with an impressive 290 marks, bringing joy and spiritual uplift to the audience gathered at the Serena Conference Centre.
The grand finale of the #MartyrsChoralFestival, which drew hundreds of worshippers and music lovers, was a celebration of both faith and harmony. Featuring six elite choirs—three from the Catholic and three from the Anglican denominations—the event created a shared space of reverence, joy, and unity.
Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu, speaking at the closing ceremony, praised the festival’s ecumenical spirit: “Vision Group, thank you so much for entertaining and organising this Choral Festival. This event brings us together as Catholics and Anglicans. The common denominator is Christ and the Martyrs. I salute you for this initiative.”
Notable guests included former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who was seen capturing videos of the performances on his phone, visibly moved by the vocal artistry and deep spirituality expressed through music.
The festival was powered by an impressive lineup of sponsors, including Equity Bank Uganda, Centenary Bank, Pepsi Uganda, NSSF, URA, Parliament of Uganda, PPDA, and Kampala Serena Hotel.
As the choirs lifted their voices in worship and remembrance of the Uganda Martyrs, the event reaffirmed the power of sacred music to inspire, heal, and unite people from all walks of life.
