Hundreds and thousands gather at Namugongo Shrine to honour the Ugandan Martyrs

On 3 June 2025, thousands of Ugandan pilgrims and visitors from across Africa and beyond converged at the Namugongo Ugandan Martyrs Shrine to commemorate the feast of the 22 Catholics executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Buganda King Mwanga II for refusing to renounce their faith.

This year, it was the turn of the Diocese of Lugazi to lead and animate the liturgical celebration of Holy Mass. The 2025 theme: “Oh Lord, let me see again, I, your pilgrim of hope.”

Before the Holy Mass, a diocesan choir filled the atmosphere with melodious hymns praising the Uganda Martyrs, reinforcing the legacy of faith and courage that led to their martyrdom.

Namugongo: A sacred place of faith and hope

Delivering his homily, the Ordinary of Lugazi Diocese, Bishop Christopher Kakooza welcomed pilgrims to Namugongo -naming them country by country and describing Namugongo as a sacred place of faith and hope. He expressed gratitude to God for the gift of the holy martyrs and urged the congregation to unite in prayer. He also urged them to pray in thanksgiving for the gift of a new Pope, Leo XIV.

Bishop Kakooza emphasised that pilgrimage is a journey of faith and hope that strengthens believers. A holy pilgrimage is undertaken by a person of faith walking with Jesus towards holiness, he said.

Bishop of Lugazi Diocese, Christopher Kakooza.

The Bishop’s homily was based on the Gospel story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who called out to Jesus outside the city of Jericho.

“With one voice, we have come out to cry to the Lord with hope. We have come in the faith of the martyrs. These martyrs gave up their lives for the sake of Christ,” said the prelate of Lugazi. “The Lord took the little faith of Charles Lwanga and his companions and turned it into something great.”

Bishop Kakooza added, “We can face challenges, but our hope calls us to transcend worldly attractions. We are invited to participate in this spiritual journey of communion with God and others. It is a journey that calls for resilience and perseverance. Our struggles on earth are temporary,” Bishop Kakooza told the packed Namugongo shrine.