Religious leaders urge servant leadership during Martyrs Day celebrations

3 June 2026, 6:08 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Martyrs Day celebrations in Uganda have, since the 1970s, attracted more than one million pilgrims annually. However, due to restrictions on public gatherings, this year’s celebrations were attended by not more than 300 people at the Anglican Shrine, while Catholics commemorated the day from their respective dioceses across the country.

While preaching at the Anglican Shrine, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, said the shrine’s identity is inseparable from its historical significance, noting that any attempts to rename it would distort the story of the Uganda Martyrs.

The celebrations on the Anglican side were organized by Uganda Christian University, while the Catholic celebrations were coordinated by Kasese Diocese and held at parish level.

Meanwhile, while preaching at St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere urged leaders to emulate the Uganda Martyrs in the execution of their duties.

“We urge leaders to take the Uganda Martyrs as their role models as they carry out their duties. The Uganda Martyrs died because they refused to compromise their faith. Therefore, dear leaders, remember that leadership is a duty to serve the public and not an opportunity to enrich yourselves or exploit others. Just as St. Charles Lwanga protected the young boys under his care, use your positions in government to protect citizens, especially the poor,” he said.

Among the issues prayed for during the celebrations were disease outbreaks, poverty, the education system, and other challenges affecting the country.

The Uganda Martyrs comprise 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith. They are remembered annually on June 3.

In a related development, the Lead Pastor of The Worship House in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Wilson Bugembe, encouraged believers to dedicate time to praying for their families, emphasizing that many challenges affecting families can only be overcome through prayer.

Bugembe was preaching during the annual Family Prayer Day service, which focuses on dedicating families to God. This year’s event attracted hundreds of believers, including many who followed the service online.

“Three people are happy that you are here. First is God. Second is Mr. Ddamba, the head of the Family Department, together with his team. Third are the pastors of this church. However, there is one person who is not happy about your coming, and that is the devil. But thanks be to God who enabled you to be here. Your family’s life will never remain the same. May God bless your families, and whatever has been hindering them from prospering is coming to an end today. Remember, your faith has made you well, just as Jesus told the woman in the Bible,” he said.

Quoting Isaiah 50:4, Bugembe said, ‘The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustain the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, , wakens my ear to listen like one being taught ‘. He therefore told believers that family day is God’s wish for families to gather together to pray, and listen from God. Other scriptures he quoted are; Deuteronomy10:12, Ecclesiastes10:8, Jeremiah1:9, Genesis1:27, among others.