As pilgrims from all walks of life make their way to the Uganda Martyrs sites in Namugongo, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has advised pilgrims to utilize their time in Namugongo to pray and strengthen their faith in God.

The Archbishop made these statements during a church service that took place on May 30, 2024, at the Namugongo Anglican site.

Kaziimba stated that there are a number of youth who think that they come to Namugongo to have fun, which should not be the case.

“You people who walk to Namugongo and start drinking and enjoying yourselves came here to do nothing. You are as good as those who didn’t come.  You should use this time to pray for forgiveness and blessings from God,” Kaziimba stated.

The Archbishop added that the theme of this year’s Martyrs Day celebration is “conforming to the truth of God’s word and not the patterns of this world,” adding that a lot of people have been taken up by the patterns of this world.

“Our people are affected by the patterns of the world; people are influenced by the pleasures of the world. These days, people don’t appreciate themselves, especially women who buy artificial hips and breasts. Brothers, the ways of this world aren’t good for God’s kingdom. Follow God’s word, not the lies of this world. Many who claim to be saved aren’t. Be transformed by renewing your mind,” he added.

The commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day is an event held annually on June 3 in memory of 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans who converted to Christianity in the historical kingdom of Buganda.

The converts were executed on the orders of the Kabaka Mwanga between January 31, 1885, and January 27, 1887.