Even without the usual crowds at Namugongo, the witness of the Uganda Martyrs will be celebrated with faith, hope, and a deep sense of communion – from homes, parishes, and small Christian communities across the nation.
His Grace, the Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of Kampala, has released his message for the 2026 Uganda Martyrs celebrations, which fall on June 3rd. The theme he has chosen echoes the words of St. Paul: “Christ is alive in you and me” (Galatians 2:20).
However, this year’s commemoration will look different. Because of the ongoing Ebola outbreak and the need to protect life, the usual large physical gathering at the Namugongo shrines will not take place.
For the protection of life, we are unable to gather physically at Namugongo in the usual large numbers. Nevertheless, our communion in Christ remains strong.
†Paul Ssemogerere
The Archbishop invites all pilgrims, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill to unite in prayer from wherever they are – their homes, their parishes, their dioceses, and their small Christian communities.
A Special Thanks to the Diocese of Kasese
This year, the Diocese of Kasese under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Bishop Aquirinus Kibira had prepared to lead the national celebrations at Namugongo. Although those plans have been set aside due to the health emergency, Archbishop Ssemogerere expressed deep gratitude:
“Your dedication remains a sign of the unity and resilience of the Church in Uganda.”
The Martyrs’ Witness for Today
The Archbishop reminds the faithful that the Uganda Martyrs remain one of the greatest treasures of faith for Africa and the universal Church.
“Their witness reminds us that no fear, suffering, or earthly power can extinguish the light of Christ. In moments of trial and uncertainty, they remained firm because they trusted in God. As St. Paul asks: ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?’ (Romans 8:35).”
He calls upon the martyrs’ intercession for healing for the sick, protection for families and communities, wisdom for leaders and health workers, and strength for all who continue serving humanity.
A Timeless Testimony
The Archbishop quotes Pope St. Paul VI, who, upon canonising the Uganda Martyrs in 1964, described them as “not only African martyrs, but martyrs of the universal Church.”
“The courage and fidelity of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions challenge us to choose truth over compromise, holiness over sin, and faith over fear.”
Devotion to the Uganda Martyrs, he writes, must renew within us a desire for deeper prayer, holiness, and courageous Christian living – no matter where we celebrate from.
Health Guidelines Are Also an Act of Charity
The Archbishop also encourages all the faithful to observe health guidelines responsibly.
“Protecting life and caring for one another is also an expression of Christian faith and charity.”
A Closing Prayer
“As we unite in prayer this year, may the witness of the Uganda Martyrs strengthen our families, inspire our young people, renew our priests and religious, and deepen the faith of all believers. May we truly become living witnesses that Christ is alive in us and among us.”
He concludes with a prayer through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Charles Lwanga and Companions: “May God bless our nation with healing, peace, unity, and steadfast faith.”
Read the full message from His Grace, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, below.