Namugongo, Wakiso – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that government funding for Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget annually, citing the day’s wide spiritual and national significance.
While addressing thousands of Christians at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, the President confirmed that this year alone, the government had extended support to major religious denominations to facilitate the commemorations.
“This year, the government gave the Catholics Shs 2 billion, the Protestants Shs 2 billion, and the Muslims Shs 200 million for this occasion,” said Museveni. “I have directed the government to make this contribution part of the government budget annually, since many Ugandans participate.”
Accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President emphasised that Martyrs Day unites people of all faiths and regions.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for religious infrastructure development, noting earlier investments in modernising the Catholic and Anglican shrines. He pledged similar support to the Muslim community.
“When the Muslims are ready, we shall also support them because I am told some Muslim followers were also killed by Mwanga. May God bless all of you,” he added.
President Museveni also provided a historical reflection on the origins of Islam, Anglicanism, and Catholicism in Uganda, hailing the martyrs’ courage in defending religious freedom.
“It was wrong for Mwanga to try and kill this new perspective about the supernatural realm,” he said. “This is what all and sundry should know about Africans of this area: they can sacrifice for the legitimate causes they believe in.”
The day’s celebrations were led by the Northern Uganda Cluster under the theme “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9-10).
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, praised the spiritual unity witnessed at Namugongo. “On this sacred ground, faith has truly surpassed fear,” she said. “The Northern Cluster is deeply honoured to have led this year’s commemoration. It is not only a privilege, but a testimony to unity across religions.”
