Following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the Government of Uganda, in consultation with the country’s religious leaders, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, cancelled the national celebration of Uganda Martyrs Day, traditionally observed on 3 June each year. Despite the cancellation, 3 June remained a public holiday in Uganda
Fr Isaac Ojok – Lira city
This year, Kasese Diocese in Western Uganda had been selected to host and animate the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations under the theme, “Christ is Alive in You and Me” (Galatians 2:19–20). Ordinarily, the national celebrations are held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo, where thousands of pilgrims from Uganda and beyond gather annually to commemorate the witness of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions. Due to public health concerns, the national event was, this year, called off before it could take place.
With the suspension of the national celebrations, dioceses across the country were encouraged to hold commemorative liturgies at the parish level. As a result, Catholic bishops celebrated the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs together with the faithful in their respective dioceses.
Legacy of faith and courage
In Lira Diocese, the feast was celebrated in individual parishes, with the main diocesan celebration taking place at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Ordinary of Lira Diocese, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, who joined the faithful in honouring the witness and sacrifice of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok called on Christians to emulate the courage, fidelity, and spirit of unity demonstrated by St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, saying their witness remains relevant to the challenges facing believers today.
He described the Uganda Martyrs as living examples of the Beatitudes taught by Jesus Christ.
“This is not merely a remembrance of heroes from the past. It is a celebration of a living faith that continues to challenge, inspire, and guide us today,” he said. He noted that the Uganda Martyrs embody a spirit of poverty, purity of heart, righteousness, and steadfast commitment to Christ.
Witness and leadership
The celebration also brought together foot pilgrims whose annual pilgrimage to Namugongo was interrupted following the outbreak of Ebola in the neigbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Unable to complete their journey to Namugongo Shrine, the pilgrims joined Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok and the faithful at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City to commemorate the courage, faith, and sacrifice of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, and to unite in prayer and thanksgiving with other Christians.
Bishop Wanok, who is the vice chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, praised St. Charles Lwanga, one of the Uganda Martyrs, for his leadership in protecting and encouraging younger Christians during their final moments, describing his example as a model of authentic Christian leadership.
“Leadership is not domination; it is accompaniment. It is helping others remain faithful when the journey becomes difficult,” the Bishop said.
Linking the martyrs’ witness to the Church’s ongoing emphasis on Synodality, Bishop Wanok said their collective support, prayer, and perseverance demonstrated what it means to walk together as a community of faith.
The prelate further urged parishes and Church communities to foster greater participation, mutual support, and inclusion, especially among the youth, the elderly, and families.
He concluded by invoking the martyrs’ blessings for Ugandan families and the faithful of the diocese.
