President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the St. Gonzaga Gonza Day national celebrations on July 6, 2025, in Bugonza Shrine, Kaliro District, as the Chief Pilgrim.
This was confirmed by Haji Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson.
The annual event, held in the first week of July, honours the life, faith, and martyrdom of St. Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered Catholic martyrs who was killed for his Christian beliefs during the late 19th century.
This year’s celebrations are being organized by the Jinja Catholic Diocese, with thousands of pilgrims expected to converge in Kaliro to pay tribute to the saint and renew their faith.
“There will be no COVID-19 testing requirements for pilgrims attending the event,” Haji Kirunda noted.
He adds that the day will also be used to celebrate the legacy of the late Pope Francis and offer prayers for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Fr. Gerald Mutto, Chancellor of Jinja Diocese, said preparations are progressing smoothly.
“We assure the public of a well-organized celebration. All logistics, security, and liturgical programs are being finalized,” Fr. Mutto said.
Born around 1862 in Busoga, St. Gonzaga Gonza was the son of Gonzabato. He was abducted as a child and raised in Buganda, where he later joined King Muteesa’s palace at the age of 12.
Initially professing Islam, and later Protestantism, Gonza eventually converted to Catholicism and was baptized on November 17, 1885. He quickly became known for his strong faith, obedience, and zeal for the Gospel.
His act of self-sacrifice offering himself to be imprisoned in place of another cemented his legacy as a symbol of courage and compassion.
He was speared to death on May 27, 1886, at the age of 24, after collapsing on the journey to Namugongo.
St. Gonzaga Gonza is the Patron of prisoners, travelers, the ill-treated, and those in distress, and his story continues to inspire faith and resilience among Ugandan Christians.
