The Catholic Church has recognized four secondary school students for their essays about faith, culture, and personal transformation in honor of the Uganda Martyrs.

This happened during the Uganda Martyrs day celebration at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo.

The winners are Ritah Precious Asiimwe from St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Mubende, Mityana diocese; Andrea Eliza from Likumi Girls Secondary School, Lilongwe Archdiocese in Malawi; Hamadi Ayoub from Lesso Compassion Secondary School, Fortakim Ifakara Diocese, Tanzania; and Carolyne Mukamatalemwa from St. Maria Gorreti Secondary School, Fort Portal Diocese.

The Uganda Martyrs Essay Competition was started in 2022 by Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, to help young people understand the values and legacy of the Uganda Martyrs. 

This year’s themes included the connection between African culture and Christianity and sharing the Uganda Martyrs’ stories.

According to Proscovia Nabatte, Head of Public Relations and Marketing at Uganda Martyrs University, students were judged based on originality, idea development, clarity of expression, use of sources, and presentation skills. 

The competition has become a platform for meaningful conversation about values that shape individuals and communities.

Ritah Precious Asiimwe from St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Mubende topped the competition, winning $500 and a plaque. 

Andrea Eliza from Malawi secured second place with $400 and a plaque.

Hamadi Ayoub from Tanzania and Carolyne Mukamatalemwa from Fort Portal shared third place, each receiving $300 and a plaque.

By Ben Musanje 

3rd June 2025

End