President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Ministry of Finance to include annual government contributions towards Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations in the national budget, recognizing the event’s national spiritual importance and the widespread participation of Ugandans across religious lines.
Speaking to thousands of Christians gathered at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, the President revealed that this year alone, the government disbursed Shs 2 billion each to the Catholic and Protestant organizing committees, and Shs 200 million to the Muslim community in support of commemorative activities.
“I have directed the government to make this contribution part of the budget annually, since many Ugandans participate,” Museveni said, flanked by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The annual event, which honors the 45 Christian converts martyred between 1885 and 1887 in Buganda, was this year organized by the Northern Uganda Cluster under the theme: “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9–10).
Government to Continue Supporting Faith Infrastructure
President Museveni emphasized the government’s commitment to faith-based infrastructure development, citing recent investments in modernizing the Namugongo sites for both Catholic and Protestant communities.
“As you all know, the government spent billions modernizing this infrastructure you see today at both the Catholic and Protestant sites,” he noted. “When the Muslims are ready, we shall also support them, because I am told some Muslim followers were also killed by Mwanga.”
Religious History and Sacrifice Recognized
In a historical reflection, President Museveni traced the arrival of major religions in Uganda — Islam in 1841, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879 — observing how they brought new perspectives to spirituality and complemented indigenous beliefs. He condemned Kabaka Mwanga II’s persecution of early converts.
“It was wrong for Mwanga to try and kill this new perspective about the supernatural realm,” Museveni said. “It is good that young boys and some girls were ready to give up their lives for freedom of worship.”
The President drew parallels between the martyrs’ sacrifice and modern resistance, referencing the 1981 Kikandwa rebellion against General Bazilio Okello. “This is what all and sundry should know about Africans of this area: they can sacrifice for the legitimate causes they believe in,” he said, quoting fallen rebel leader Luttamaguzi Edidian’s words: “Temulajana” (Do not lament).
Affirmation of Religious Freedom
President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s secular foundation and commitment to religious freedom. “We believe in the freedom of worship and not coercing people to believe in this or that, as long as they do not break the law,” he stated. “We also believe in separating denominational issues from government matters, which are for all citizens and even non-citizens in Uganda.”
The President’s remarks were met with applause from pilgrims who had walked from across Uganda and neighboring countries to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs — a deeply symbolic event that has grown into one of East Africa’s largest religious pilgrimages.
