Masaka diocese resumes campaign for fundraising UGX100m for Martyrs day preparations.

By Fr. Ronald Mayanja

25^th May 2021

Masaka Catholic Diocese is looking for at least 100 million Shillings to host this year’s feast for the Uganda Martyr’s Day celebrations. 

The money is part of the 250 million Shillings budgeted for the scientific Martyrs’ day celebrations scheduled for June 3rd, 2021 at the Martyrs shrines in Namugongo in Wakiso district.

The Uganda Episcopal Conference for the second time selected Masaka diocese to lead the martyr’s day celebration after missing last year’s opportunity due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Right Reverend Serverus Jjumba, the Bishop of Masaka Catholic Diocese, says that they need the funds to organize a worthwhile event despite the restricted numbers of pilgrims.

He explains that although they had mobilized financial resources through public fundraisers, for last year’s celebrations that never happened they spent the bigger collection of the budget, leaving them with less finance to organize this year’s celebrations.

Bishop Jjumba also reveals that they have decided to maintain last year’s theme “Don’t Lose Heart” as well as praying for peace in the country and an end to the prevailing social injustices in the communities, through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.

Reverend Father Edward Anslem Ssemwogere, the Treasurer of the organizing committee explains that they intend to spend the required finances on compiling and printing a souvenir magazine and broadcasting the celebrations to cater for the faithful who have been restricted from accessing Namugongo among other things.

According to the organization committee, only 200 people will be allowed into Namugongo martyrs shrines that have also been restricted to foot pilgrims.