Uganda celebrates a cold Martyrs day due to COVID-19

By; Jjunju Francis

03^rd June 2020

Uganda is Marking a 133 years of Uganda Martyrs today in a cold mood due to restrictions that barred crowds and gatherings due to control the spread of Coronavirus that has so far claimed over 370,000 lives and infected 6.4 million others worldwide.

The main two Martyrs sites in Uganda; the Uganda Catholic Martyrs Shrine and Anglican site at Namugongo have for the first time since 1920, seen just a handful of attendants and pilgrims for today’s Mass and Service that is; 20 and 40 people respectively unlike the usual millions of pilgrims that flock the places from here and abroad to pray through the intercession of the 22 and 23 Martyrs who were killed on the orders of King Mwanga between 1885 and 1887 because of the Christian faith.

Each of the 19 Catholic Dioceses in Uganda has held her martyrs day. Kampala Archdiocese has also commemorated the day under the theme; “Like the Uganda Martyrs full of faith, hope and love, we shall overcome”

Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga the Archbishop of Kampala while leading the Mass for the June 3^rd at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo, has congratulated Christians for bravery despite the challenge of not being able to celebrate mass in Church but everyone in his family has stood firm for his faith, the Catholic Church and for the Uganda Martyrs day.

Dr. Lwanga said like the Martyrs who exhibited love, faith and hope they were killed for the God, let Ugandans emulate them despite the challenge of COVID-19, let there be no anger, selfishness, despair and the spirit of survival for the fittest but rather be a united Catholic Roman Church.

He said governments must plan for the aftereffects of COVID-19 because many lack food and other basic necessities since there is not work and earning for families and most of the people.

The head of laity Japhes Ndyanabo in his address called for dedication to God through prayer and the Uganda martyrs to seek mercy that may the world get a cure for the deadly Corona Pandemic.

He has however cautioned Ugandans against complacence but observe the health standard operating procedures to control the spread of Coronavirus.

Archbishop of Church of Uganda Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu who led a service from the Anglican Martyrs site at Namugongo also encouraged Christians to pray to God to save Uganda and the world from Coronavirus and urged government not to forget the frontline health workers, teachers and the most vulnerable.

At the same time President Yoweri Museveni, also sent a special message congratulating Christians upon reaching to this year’s martyrs day, saying like the martyrs who exercised heroic virtue of faith by accepting death let Ugandans stand firm.

He said Uganda martyrs are the seeds that fell on good ground like in the parable of the sower, their example of fortitude and endurance has helped to plant the kingdom of God around the globe. The spirit of sacrifice and total surrender to God should be the driver of Ugandans in the day to day operations.