UGANDA: Kasese Diocese to Lead the Next Uganda Martyrs Celebration at Namugongo
Msgr Landus With Committee Members
By Masereka Peter
The Catholic Diocese of Kasese, under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale has inaugurated and unveiled a 13-member committee to steer the preparations of the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ celebrations that will be animated by the Diocese at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo.
The Diocese of Kasese last animated the Namugongo Celebrations in 2005 when the then Rt. Rev. Egidio Nkaijanabwo was the Ordinary of the Diocese. The celebration that rotates among the four ecclesiastical provinces under the Uganda Episcopal Conference, including Tororo, Kampala, Gulu, and Mbarara, the Diocese of Kasese will be following Lugazi Diocese that animated this year’s celebration and Fort-Portal Diocese that animated 2022 from the Mbarara Province where the Diocese of Kasese also lies.
The Vicar General for the Diocese of Kasese, Rev. Fr. Landaus Bwambale on behalf of the Bishop who officially inaugurated the central organizing committee to spearhead plans by the Diocese that will animate the Uganda Martyrs, June 3rd celebrations in Namugongo come 2026 unveiled the committee members headed by Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kule as the chairperson and deputized by Mr. Joseph Nzukwa at the Bishop’s hall in Kasese Municipality on 29th July 2025.
Msgr. Landaus called for joint efforts, including material and spiritual support, aimed at making the celebrations colorful.
The Chairperson Central Organizing Committee, Rev Fr. John Baptist Kule, commended the Bishop for entrusting them with the powers to be in the lead of the celebrations, adding that with the unity and love of God’s people, the celebrations will be colorful.
Fr. John Baptist asked all the religious, political, and civil leaders to help in mobilizing resources. According to him, the event is not only a religious function but also puts Kasese on the world map.
Diocesan head of laity, Mr. George Mayinja, used part of his press statements to implore the faithful to, in addition to the Martyrs’ day celebrations, prioritize the construction works of the cathedral in an attempt to have what to showcase to the entire world.
The Uganda Martyrs Celebration is a momentous occasion in the national and spiritual calendar that is celebrated internationally. It is time to remember, honor, and draw inspiration from the courageous young men who stood firm in their faith until the point of death. Persecuted on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga by the then King of Buganda, on of the biggest kingdoms in Uganda.
other committee members include Rev. Fr. Anyasio Mbusa, the Director of Caritas Kasese, Fr. Joseph Syathetha, the diocesan Treasurer, Fr. Sunday Godfrey, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Asaba, Fr. Julius Bwambale, Sr. Sarah Muhindo, the Director of Kasese Guide Radio, Mr. George Mayingya, the Diocesan Head of Laity, and Ms. Queen Gonda Asiimwe, among others.
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