UGANDA: Let Us Honour Uganda Martyrs By Fostering Unity, Spiritual and Material Prosperity, Says Museveni
President Museveni with The Bishops at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine Shortly After Mass
Peter Masereka
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has praised Ugandan clerics, Christian, and non-Christians, for fostering unity and ending hostilities along faith lines that once sharply divided the nation.
Reflecting on the pre-National Resistance Movement (NRM) era, President Museveni recalled the significant divisions based on tribal and religious affiliations, which he credits the NRM ideology for mitigating.
Addressing thousands of believers at Uganda Martyr’s Catholic Shrine Namugongo on Monday, June 3, President Museveni who was the chief guest at the celebration that also marked the 60th Canonization Anniversary for the Uganda Martyrs, acknowledged the establishment of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda as pivotal in promoting dialogue and harmony among different faith
He recognized the religious leaders, including those from the Catholic Church, for adopting the NRM ideology, knowingly or unknowingly, and emphasized that the NRM has championed unity and fought against divisions and sectarianism in Uganda.
The Head of State said that upon learning of the Catholic Church’s 60th anniversary of the martyrs’ canonization, he didn’t want to miss the occasion and requested his wife, Janet Museveni, to join him in attending this important and historical event.
President Museveni reminded the faithful that his government declared Martyrs’ Day a public holiday in their first year of leadership in 1986.
President Museveni narrated that many societal evils, such as corruption, embezzlement, defilement, and murder, stem from a lack of Godly guidance in people’s hearts while the fear of God instills honesty, integrity, and self-control.
He further emphasized the enduring legacy of the Uganda Martyrs and the significance of their sacrifice saying, “The fear of God teaches believers to guard themselves from engaging in evil practices that are likely to break communion with the Creator. It makes you accountable to a heavenly father, who watches everything you do, even in darkness. Christians are aware that they will face judgment for their words and actions, here on earth.”
Speaking to a diverse audience, including pilgrims from within Uganda and beyond, President Museveni underscored the martyrs’ refusal to renounce Christianity in the face of persecution by Kabaka Mwanga, highlighting their pivotal role in the spread of Christianity across Africa.
“The blood of the martyrs watered the seed of Christianity,” said Museveni, acknowledging the martyrs’ profound impact on the growth of Christianity.
Museveni drew parallels between the persecution faced by the Uganda Martyrs and that of early Christian figures such as St. Stephen and St. James, emphasizing the Uganda Martyrs’ place in the broader history of Christian martyrdom.
He further asserted the impossibility of suppressing correct ideas rooted in godliness and humanity, citing Christianity’s teachings on accountability, honesty, integrity, and love for neighbors.
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