Amid ongoing preparations for this year’s Martyrs’ day celebration, Anglican Archbishop Stanley Ntagali has told media reporters on Thursday that Martyrs’ day has never become a ritual.
He said this in response to a question raised at Namugongo during a press briefing where a journalist claimed some people think this day has lost its importance, hence reduced to a ritual.
Is it still a day we still value as a church, the reporter further asked.
“The Uganda martyrs are very important to the Christians of this country and all over the world. They gave their lives in faith, to Jesus Christ, we still have their position of dying for their faith and that encourages us to be more faithful even when the world is changing.” Archbishop Stanley Ntagali answered.
“People are saying that because we have a lot of interference, but the faithful people – look at those that walk from Bushenyi, Kenya – so, to some people who are following the things of the world, they think it is loosing meaning but for us Christians, leaders of the Church, we are still valuing the Uganda Martyrs. 3rd June is very important to us in our Christian journey.” He added.
Archbishop Ntagali was also questioned concerning the ‘wavering’ role played by Church in fighting for justice in Uganda today.
“The Church preaches justice, and it is our mandate to preach peace and reconciliation. We will continue to pursue that. It is the mandate by the Lord Jesus, the head of the Church. Matthew 5:9 says; Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. If we loose the message of peace and reconciliation, and justice, then we have lost it.We want people to avoid corruption, hatred, injustice and we want people to leave by example as the church.” He stated.
Uganda Martyrs’ Day Celebrations are held every 3rd June at the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine, Namugongo, Kampala-Uganda. Across the country, his day is a public holiday, which gives chance to millions of people from near and far to make pilgrimage to Namugongo for prayers.
At the shrine, one of the attractions is a man-made lake surrounding the altar from where mass is often celebrated.
Many pilgrims drink, wash or carry home the water drawn from the lake with a belief that it is “holy” water with powers to cure them from incurable ailments, while others believe the water gives them some kind of protection from evil.
This claim was however recently disregarded by Fr Joseph Mukasa Muwonge, a Catholic priest familiar with the history of the lake.
By Paul Dennis.
