Thousands of students from schools across Uganda gathered today at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo for the annual student pilgrimage, a spiritual and educational journey honoring the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs.

Held just days before the official Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, the pilgrimage is seen not only as a commemoration of faith but also as an opportunity to instil in the youth the values of courage, unity, and moral integrity, qualities exemplified by the 24 Catholic converts who were martyred for their beliefs.

The event drew key figures in Uganda’s religious and educational spheres, including Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere of the Kampala Archdiocese and State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo.

In his address, Archbishop Ssemwogerere reminded the students of the vital role they play in the life of the Church.

“We are not just an old church,” Archibishop Ssemwogerere said. “We are also a church of the present and the future. Woe to us if we do not provide you with guidance.”

The Archbishop urged the youth to turn away from harmful vices such as secularism, promiscuity, and drug abuse, encouraging them to pursue lives of purpose and virtue.

“Let us be inspired to give up these vices and look toward the future. The Lord, who rescued the martyrs, will continue to shed His light on us,” he added.

In a message to the youth published in the official souvenir magazine, Rt Rev. Christopher Kakooza, Bishop of Lugazi Diocese, called on students to follow the example of the Uganda Martyrs.

“The martyrs were young people like you. They made this pilgrimage to Namugongo to meet the suffering Christ. In hope and faith, they endured the fire. They now live in glory,” Bishop Kakooza wrote.

The Uganda Martyrs, most of whom were young converts, were killed between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. Their sacrifice is a powerful symbol of faith, courage, and resilience in the face of persecution.

This year’s Martyrs Day celebrations at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo are being led by the Lugazi Diocese, with Bishop Christopher Kakooza as the main celebrant. The diocese has prepared a 500-member choir featuring singers, dancers, organists, and instrumentalists from parishes across the diocese to lead the Mass and animate the liturgy.

The student pilgrimage remains a cornerstone of the Martyrs Day activities, bridging generations and strengthening the faith of Uganda’s future leaders through the story of the martyrs who gave everything for what they believed.