State Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi has unveiled new plans for this year’s Martyrs Day Celebrations.
He says that government has allocated funds close to Ush 500 million to the commemoration.
“Preparations are ongoing to revamp the destination sites so that we meet global standards. Our support to the church is not only in monetary terms. We have additionally bought 5 special 52-seater buses that will fetch tourists. They are executive with Wifi, air conditioned system and have charging ports all across the seater sections.” He told media reporters on Sunday, noting that the beautification of Namugongo shines always continues even after the celebrations.
Rev. Sam Muwonge of Namirembe Cathedral, preparations for this year’s celebration differ from those of recent years. He says several activities will be conducted prior to 3rd June.
“On 27th May,We do expect Sunday-school children to come and honor, learn more about the Martyrs. This is intended to strengthen their faith. We also expect over 346 Choirs at the celebration this year.” He said.
On the same day, Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda will flag off a symbolic walk of faith that traces the brutal trail of the Uganda Martyrs’ last days to their final martyrdom.
“The day’s main preacher will be Bishop Nathan Gasatura from Rwanda. It is on this note that I encourage Uganda’s to turn up in large numbers, not to meet anyone else but Jesus.” Rev. Sam Muwonge said.
“Stand Firm in the Faith That You Have Been Taught,” is the theme for this year’s celebrations, extracted from the Book of Colossians 2:7.
According to the chairperson of the Organizing Committee at Diocesan level, Dr. Emmanuel Kiiza Aliba, also the Executive Secretary of the Justice and Peace Department of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the theme calls for a stronger witness in Christ from the faithful.
About Martyrs Day.
The annual celebration staged every 3rd June commemorates the heroic faith of the 45 Martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were burnt to death following the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then king of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. Twenty-two Catholic Martyrs were beatified on June 6, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, and on October 18 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized them as Saints.
By Paul Dennis.
