As thousands gathered at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day, a visiting Tanzanian priest, Father Renovatus Mwesiga, called on Christians to deepen their faith and live by the example set by the Uganda Martyrs.
Speaking to Nexus Media, Fr Mwesiga, a parish priest of Ngarama Parish and head of Ngarama Schools in Bukoba Catholic Diocese, Tanzania, urged the faithful to emulate the unwavering commitment of the 45 young converts who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their Christian faith under Kabaka Mwanga’s rule.
“Ugandans should feel blessed to have this sacred place where God speaks in a special way through the Uganda Martyrs. Even those watching from home can receive the blessings that flow from this holy ground,” he said.
According to Fr Mwesiga, Uganda Martyrs Day is not merely a memorial, but a divine opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual renewal.
“This is a place of miracles. People from across borders walk great distances to receive the grace of Namugongo. It is not something to treat casually,” he stated.
The priest shared the testimony of two pilgrims from Tanzania who walked 365 kilometers over nine days to reach the shrine safely; a journey he said symbolizes the kind of faith and sacrifice the martyrs exemplified.
Fr Mwesiga also commended the Ugandan government for its continued investment in preserving and improving the shrine. He reflected on how much the site has evolved since his earlier visits in the early 2000s, noting that each visit offers a fresh and powerful spiritual experience.
Among the pilgrims was Acrio Gladys, a first-time visitor from Gulu, who described a deeply personal encounter during her pilgrimage.
“I saw an image of Mother Mary in the sky. It gave me hope and strengthened my belief that this place holds special blessings. I have started seeing miracles and I am grateful for coming,” She said.
She echoed the priest’s call to repentance and urged other Christians to seek forgiveness and grow closer to God through the martyrs’ example.
Uganda Martyrs Day, observed annually on June 3rd, honors the 45 Catholic and Anglican converts who paid the ultimate price for their faith. This year’s theme is: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again, I Your Pilgrim of Hope.”
