Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni joined pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo. The annual observance honors the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, who were executed by Kabaka Mwanga for refusing to renounce their Christian faith.
President Museveni expressed gratitude to those who traveled to honor the memory of these martyrs.
“Their persecution and death did not halt the spread of Christianity in Uganda and Africa. The blood of the martyrs watered the seed of Christianity, making their sacrifice a catalyst for growth,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with early Christian martyrs, Museveni recounted the biblical accounts of St. Stephen and St. James, emphasizing that the Uganda Martyrs are part of a long history of martyrdom in the church. He highlighted that attempts to suppress righteous ideas, particularly those rooted in godliness and humanity, have always failed. Christianity, with its teachings of love and good neighborliness, transcends divisions of tribe, religion, and race, promoting universal values that foster societal growth.
Museveni also linked the enduring values of Christianity to the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) ideology, which is founded on non-sectarianism and aims to propel Uganda toward modernity and prosperity through patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and fraternity. He criticized Kabaka Mwanga’s persecution of Christian converts, urging forgiveness and understanding, much like the biblical Saul who became Paul after persecuting Christians.
Furthermore, President Museveni urged Christians to balance their spiritual and physical needs. He encouraged them to strive for decent and prosperous lives through profitable enterprises in sectors such as agriculture, industry, services, and ICT. Highlighting the holistic ministry of Jesus Christ, Museveni called on religious leaders to address both the spiritual and socio-economic needs of their communities.
The President concluded by thanking all attendees for commemorating the Uganda Martyrs and wished them peaceful celebrations. His speech underscored the resilience of faith and the importance of unity and hard work in achieving a prosperous future for Uganda.
