The Bishop of Kasese Diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale, has inaugurated a 13-member Central Organizing Committee to lead preparations for the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations set to take place on June 3rd at Namugongo.
This marks a significant moment for the Diocese, which last animated the Namugongo celebrations in 2005, under the leadership of then Bishop Rt. Rev. Egidio Nkaijanabwo.
The Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations rotate among the four ecclesiastical provinces under the Uganda Episcopal Conference namely Kampala, Tororo, Gulu, and Mbarara.
Following this year’s celebrations led by Lugazi Diocese from the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province, Kasese Diocese, part of the Mbarara Province will take up the mantle in 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Bishop during the inauguration ceremony held at the Bishop’s Hall in Kasese Municipality, Vicar General Msgr. Landaus Bwambale officially commissioned the committee, urging unity and collective support both material and spiritual to ensure a successful and vibrant celebration.
The newly appointed committee is chaired by Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kule, with Mr. Joseph Nzukwa serving as his deputy.
In his remarks, Fr. John Baptist Kule expressed gratitude to the Bishop for the trust bestowed upon the team.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration across all sectors religious, political, and civil to mobilize the necessary resources. He noted that the event is not just a religious gathering but also an opportunity to spotlight Kasese on a national and global stage.
The rest of the committee members include:
Rev. Fr. Anyasio Mbusa – Director of Caritas Kasese
Fr. Joseph Syathetha – Diocesan Treasurer
Fr. Sunday Godfrey – Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator
Rev. Fr. Cosmas Asaba
Fr. Julius Bwambale
Sr. Sarah Muhindo – Director of Kasese Guide Radio
Mr. George Mayingya – Diocesan Head of Laity
Ms. Queen Gonda Asiimwe and among others.
The Diocese is now set to begin intensive preparations, with the hope of hosting a spiritually enriching and nationally significant Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebration in 2026.
By Francis Jjunju
7th Aug 2025
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