Vatican Commemoration of Uganda Martyrs: Museveni Emphasizes Role of Christianity in National Dev’t

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has praised the impact of Christianity on his country, marking the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.

In a speech delivered on his behalf yesterday by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, President Museveni highlighted the “value addition” Christianity brought to Uganda, introducing scientific knowledge, education, and social values.

“Christianity added value to our efforts to understand God and the fear of God,” he said during a special ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican, and led by Chief Celebrant, His Eminence Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences and Special Envoy of Pope Francis.

The President noted that Uganda’s indigenous groups already believed in one God, Ruhanga Nyamuhanga, but Christianity enhanced this understanding. He credited Christian preachers with introducing scientific knowledge from Europe, reducing disease burdens. For example, boiling milk to prevent disease was a practice introduced by missionaries.

Museveni emphasized Christianity’s values like resurrection, loving one’s neighbour, and hard work. These principles guided Uganda’s movement during armed conflict, blending positive cultural practices with Christian teachings.

He commended the symposium’s themes, including preserving nature and promoting social and environmental issues. “This is a part of the value addition because some of our ancestral believers worshipped mountains and rocks,” he said.

Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Special Envoy of Pope Francis, has urged Africans to draw inspiration from the Ugandan Martyrs, who were canonized 60 years ago, to build a brighter future founded on faith, integrity, and transparency.

Cardinal Turkson hailed the martyrs as “true Africans transformed by the Gospel into worthy disciples of Jesus.” He emphasized their significance in shaping Africa’s Christian identity.

“The Ugandan Martyrs teach us valuable lessons: faith, integrity, transparency, and governance,” Cardinal Turkson said. “Their witness inspires us to create a better future for our land and people.”

The Cardinal highlighted the martyrs’ youth, noting that Charles Lwanga and his companions were young adults who embodied gospel values. This, he said, challenges contemporary youth to re-engage with faith.

Cardinal Turkson also stressed the importance of combating corruption, citing the martyrs’ example. “Let us become artisans of hope, embracing gospel values and promoting a corruption-free Africa.”

Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Most Rev. Luigi Bianco, described the Martyrs as “an extraordinary example of commitment and fidelity to the Lord, models of faith and hope, and authentic witnesses of truth and communion.”

Their testimony, he added, “is a call to all to become beacons of hope and instruments of peace, as well as promoters and defenders of the God-given dignity of every human person.”

Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala, + Emmanuel Card. Wamala, praised the Martyrs as “Uganda’s Luminous Heroes, Models and Mentors of the Catholic faith.” He expressed profound gratitude to those who contributed to their canonization.

Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, highlighted the Martyrs’ impact on the growth of faith in Uganda and worldwide, in his speech read by the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, Lambert Bainomugisha.

“We recognize the significance of the Martyrs in the growth of faith in our country and the rest of the world. The Martyrs are a special contribution by Uganda to Christianity in general, and for this, we are grateful to the Almighty God.”

“The heroic act of the Martyrs challenges us to witness Christ in all situations, including those we may consider difficult,” Bishop Zziwa added.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Stephen Mubiru, noted the Martyrs’ relevance to the African Church, citing growing demographics.

“The theme selected for the anniversary of the Martyrs is rightly fitting – ‘The Blood of the Martyrs: Seeds of Hope for an Integral Ecology’,” Ambassador Mubiru said.

Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, emphasized the Martyrs’ bravery and devotion.

Top Ugandan officials have joined the Catholic faithful at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the 60th anniversary of the Uganda Martyrs’ canonization.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, and MPs Sarah Opendi, Joseph Ssewungu, and Herbert Ariko were among the dignitaries in attendance.

Former opposition leaders Salam Musumba and Mathias Mpuuga also joined the commemoration, which honoured the 45 Ugandan martyrs canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

June 18, 1964, marked a historic day for the Catholic Church in Africa as Pope Paul VI canonized 22 Ugandan martyrs, recognizing their unwavering commitment to their faith.

The Uganda Martyrs, comprising 20 Catholics and two Anglicans, were executed between 1885 and 1887 by King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christianity.

Their journey to sainthood began in 1915 when the Catholic Church declared them Blessed. Nearly 50 years later, Pope Paul VI formally declared them saints.

Pope Paul VI in a ceremony inside St Peter’s Basilica for new african saints, 1965. (Photo by David Lees/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Today, the Uganda Martyrs are revered as patron saints of Africa, inspiring generations with their courage and conviction. Their legacy extends beyond Uganda, symbolizing hope and resilience for persecuted Christians worldwide.

The Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo, Uganda, has become a pilgrimage site, attracting millions annually.