By Clare Nayebare
The Diocese of Fort Portal has marked this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day with a virtual celebration, with Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki calling on Christians to embrace courageous faith amid life’s many challenges, including sickness, uncertainty, and suffering.
In Uganda, Martyrs’ Day is annually observed on June 3rd to mark the date way back in 1886 when the largest group of Christian converts were burned to death at Namugongo on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The executions were the climax of a series of persecutions against early Christians in the Buganda kingdom. Between January 1885 and January 1887 where 45 young men (22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans) were killed on orders of Kabaka Mwanga because he felt his political power and traditional Baganda cultural values were threatened by the growing influence of religion.
Presiding over a scientifically conducted Mass broadcast on Jubilee Radio under the theme “Christ is Alive in You and Me,”a theme previously chosen by Kasese Catholic Diocese which was supposed to animate Namugongo celebrations before Ebola broke out ,Bishop Muhiirwa urged the faithful to draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs, whose unwavering faith saw them endure extreme persecution and death.
Exemplary martyrs
He highlighted the example of martyrs such as Bruno Sserunkuma, who refused alcohol intended to weaken his resolve on the way to execution, and young martyrs like Kizito and Javilah, who rejected immoral demands and chose to remain steadfast in their commitment to purity and faith.
“True faith requires courage,” the Bishop emphasized, noting that the martyrs’ witness remains relevant for Christians facing modern-day trials.
Ebola prone areas
According to Bishop Muhiirwa, the decision to hold virtual celebrations followed a directive from the Fort PortalEbola Virus Disease task force, which suspended all public gatherings in Fort Portal Diocese due to heightened health risks.
He added that broadcasting the Mass via diocesan radio was an option to ensure that many believers could still participate spiritually despite the restrictions.
His Lordship Muhiirwa, warned that several districts within the diocese remain vulnerable to the spread of Ebola, urging Christians to strictly follow Ministry of Health guidelines and prioritize safety.
Christians in shock
The suspension of physical celebrations came as a shock to many faithful in Fort Portal City and surrounding areas. In a letter issued on the eve of Martyrs’ Day, Resident City Commissioner Nasike Asumin informed the diocese that all gatherings had been halted to prevent potential transmission, given the large crowds typically associated with the commemoration.
Some Christians who had already gathered for prayers were dispersed by security personnel, while several churches remained closed, leaving uncertainty about how long the restrictions would remain in place.
Febronia Masamba, a Christian from Virika Parish who had already come at Virika for prayers, expressed sadness for missing Mass on such an important holiday, saying despite the Ebola effects, she seeks the intercession of Uganda Martyr’s for peace in the world and the end of epidemics.
Despite the disruption, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged believers to accept the measures in good faith, stressing that they are intended to protect lives. He called on Christians to remain spiritually united, drawing strength from the courage and hope of the Uganda Martyrs.
Notably, Fort Portal Diocese stood out as the only diocese in Uganda where public Martyrs Day celebrations were not permitted in 2026, differing from earlier guidance by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, which had allowed parish-level commemorations in other regions.