A “scientific” Uganda Martyrs day Celebration in 2020

By; Jjunju Francis

02^nd June 2020

All is set for the Catholic and Anglican Churches to celebrate the Uganda Martyrs day on June 3^rd but in a cool way in line with the health emergency standards given by the government and ministry of health.

The day has been drawing over two to three million pilgrims from here and abroad to pay homage and pray through the intercession of the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican Uganda martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 under the orders of King Mwanga because of their faith.

Of recent with the redevelopment of Namugongo at the time of the Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda in November 2015, government put more efforts in promoting what they call religious tourism.

However the outbreak of the deadly pandemic COVID-19 in December last year that lead to lockdowns from March in Uganda, religious leaders were forced to cancel this years pilgrimage in respect to control the spread of Coronavirus.

Only 20 pilgrims will be allowed at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo for the Martyrs day Mass celebrations at 10am led by the Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga under the theme; “Like the Uganda Martyrs full of faith, hope and love, we shall overcome” while only 40 pilgrims will pray from the Anglican Martyrs Shrine Namugongo.

The Episcopal Vicar of Mitalamaria Fr. Denis Kizito who represented the Archbishop at the closure of the Uganda Martyrs Novena called for humility and trust in God at this moment in time when the world is down on the knees seeking for pardon.