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Despite the recent terror alert in the country, 2030 pilgrims from Tanzania will join thousands of Christians from across the world to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day scheduled for June 3 at Namugongo Shrines.
According to the Chairperson of the Pilgrims Committee, Mrs. Theresa Mary Obbo, the Tanzanian pilgrims had sent a confirmation message about a month ago. This was during the third meeting of the Central Organizing Committee for the celebrations held at Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) premises on Tuesday March 14.
“Tanzania has confirmed 1100 pilgrims from Shinyanga, 550 from Dar-es-salaam, 100 from Geita, 120 from Mwanza and 150 from Bukoba”, she said.
Every June 3, Christians from around the world pay homage to the 45 Martyrs, both Catholic and Protestant, who were burnt to death on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then king of Buganda between 1885 and 1887, for converting to Christianity.
The celebration is usually held at both the Catholic and the Protestant Shrines, which are situated just a few metres apart in Namugongo, Kampala. The majority of the pilgrims usually come from Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and DR Congo, besides Uganda.
The commemoration of the day is supposed to give inspiration and enhance Christian belief. The twenty two Catholic Martyrs were canonized on October 18 1964 as saints by Pope Paul VI, in the presence of Bishops from all over the world who had gathered in Rome for the Second Vatican Council.
Meanwhile, Lira Diocese which will be in charge of the liturgy has released this year’s theme namely, ‘Called to be Witnesses of Christ and Family’.
The Chairperson for Lira Steering Committee, Mr. Moses Okwel, announced the theme to the committee adding that other preparations in the diocese are moving on well.
“The choir will comprise of at least 150 members from Lira, Gulu, Nebbi and Arua dioceses. They have already begun to practice and I am sure they will make June unforgettable. Besides, we are working together with the different security personnel in the country to ensure the safety of all pilgrims and other people on June 3,” Mr. Okwel stated. He added that pilgrims from Lira will leave for Namugongo on May 15.
The Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, who is also the UEC Secretary General, told the members that Pepsi-Cola in Uganda has boosted the celebrations with shs10 million offer towards Namugongo shrines re-construction.
By Jacinta Wangalwa Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference