Orthodox Church wants govt to gazette Yona Lwanga day

By Charles Katabalwa

5^th Sept 2023

The Leadership of the Orthodox Church in Uganda are seeking government clearance to gazette September 5^th a public holiday in commemoration of the Late Archbishop of the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Yona Lwanga.

The former Archbishop of the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Yona Lwanga died on September 5^th, 2021 from Athens, Greece where he had gone for official duty and further medical examinations.

Now, Tuesday marked two years of his death and the Orthodox Church in Uganda conducted a service at Namungoona Orthodox Church to commemorate his life, under the theme: the spirit of God Empowers us to proclaim and promote Freedom and Justice in the world.

Theodore Ssekikubo, the Chairperson of the Development Commission of Orthodox Church while addressing the congregation at Namungoona Church said the late Archbishop’s speeches reflected the will and commitment for Uganda which is proof enough to have him recognized in a special way on every September 5^th for his remembrance.

Ssekikubo cited the June 3^rd Martyrs day that was gazetted for the Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda as well as the February 16^th Janan Luwum day for the Anglicans in Uganda to be a baseline for letting the Orthodox Church also get September 5th in good memory of a patriotic religious leader like Yona Lwanga.

He however expressed his commitment for tabling the matter to the floor of Parliament for consideration.

Clement Kizza, In charge of Finance and Administration at Rubaga Division while representing the Division Mayor Zacchy Mberaze Mawula at the service noted that making September 5^th a public holiday will prove that Uganda recognizes people who have made considerable contributions in the country like the Late Yona Lwanga.