Alice Kobusinge
Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo Amooti, the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese and Chairperson of the Midwestern Uganda cluster, is calling on all Christians and well-wishers to lend their support in preparing for the upcoming Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, set to take place on the 3rd of June at the Anglican shrine site in Namugongo Kampala.
This year’s celebrations will be led by a cluster of six dioceses including Ruwenzori, South Ruwenzori, East Ruwenzori, West Ruwenzori, Bunyoro-Kitara, and Masindi-Kitara—appointed by the House of Bishops.
Each 3rd of June, thousands of Christians converge in Namugongo to honor the Uganda Martyrs, who bravely sacrificed their lives rather than renounce their faith, under the reign of Buganda King Mwanga II.
Amount collected so far
During an interview with Jubilee Radio, Bishop Kisembo revealed that out of the required 2.1 billion shillings for preparations, they currently have 64 million shillings in their bank account for the very cause, a figure that is far less to the required amount in line with the working budget.
Notably, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged 1.5 billion shillings, with an additional 600 million shillings expected to be collected from various sources, including churches, individuals, companies, and friends.
As part of the preparatory measures, it was agreed that every secondary school under the Anglican Church’s foundation contributes a minimum of 100,000 shillings, while primary schools are also encouraged to contribute.
How to give
Bishop Kisembo emphasized the importance of support, urging those willing to contribute to send their donations to Equity Banking account number 1013203082677 in the name of Church of Uganda Martyrs Day celebration, with pay code 590539 (0770752379).
In a related move, the man of God outlined the phased celebration schedule, with children’s celebrations on the 23rd of May, youth on the 24th, fathers’ union on the 29th, and the main celebrations on the designated day.
“All pilgrims intending to attend are required to register with their respective Reverends to streamline security and logistical arrangements” Noted Bishop Kisembo.
On the main day, the Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, will deliver the sermon, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the chief guest. The event will feature 300 choir members, with 50 selected from each of the six dioceses to participate in the celebrations.More
