NEBBI, May 23, 2024 – In commemoration of this year’s Martyrs Day which falls on June 3, Nebbi Catholic Diocese is to set plant trees at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in a bid to encourage the faithful to do the same in their homes to save the depleted environment.
Nebbi Catholic Diocese will for the second time, since 2007, lead the prayers at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on the side of the Catholics as they remember the 22 Catholic Martyrs who were executed between 1884 and 1887 for their faith on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda.
The National Chairperson organising committee for Martyrs Day celebrations, Mavejjina Akumu urged Ugandans to embrace the tree planting activity as a wake-up call to save Mother Nature.
She said though many activities have been earmarked to take place at Namugongo, the Archbishop-elect of Gulu Archdiocese, the Rt. Rev. Raphael Wokorach, will grace the tree planting exercise at Namugongo. “On Martyrs’ Day, let’s recognise that everyone has a role in safeguarding the natural diversity upon which we depend on by planting more trees,” she said.
Akumu added that since climate change has become a major global concern, the Nebbi Catholic Diocese is setting a good example by planting trees during the Martyrs Day celebrations.
“We are all in the mood for Uganda Martyrs day celebration slated for 3rd June 2024, but the take home should be something to change our minds positively as we celebrate our faith,” Akumu said.
Akumu said the budget for the celebrations at Namugongo this year Uganda Martyrs day celebration is Shs 1.8 billion, although only Shs 600 million has so far been realised, noting that a presidential pledge of Shs 1.3bln is not yet deposited on the accounts of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, although she was hopeful to money will come soon to amplify activities.
The Vice-chairperson Central Organising Committee spearheading the Martyrs Day celebrations, Rev Fr, Albert Oromchan said 298 bus pilgrims from Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo will join Nebbi Catholic Diocese to celebrate the Martyrs Day.
He said the foot pilgrims from Nebbi who started the journey mid-May will arrive at Namugongo in Wakiso district on June 30, 2024.
On his part, Nestore Okorolal, a member of the Catholic Church, said greening the environment through tree planting must be embraced by all Christians in Uganda as they mark the Martyrs Day.
List of Uganda Martyrs
Yusuf Rugarama, Kakumba Makko, Ssrwanga Nuwa, Balikuddembe Mukasa, Mukasa Musa, Kaggwa Anderea, Ngondwe Posiano, Ssebuggwawo Denis, Bazzekuketta Antanansio, Gonza Gonzaga, Mbwa Eriya, Muddu-aguma, Mulumba Matiya, Muwanga Daudi, Kayizzi Kibuuka, Mawaggali Nowa, Mayanja Kitoogo, Muwanga, Lwanga Karoli, and Baanabakintu Lukka,
Others are Buuzabalyawo Yakobo, Gyaviira, Kiuuka Ambrosio, Kiriggwajjo Anatoli, Kiriwawanvu Mukasa, Kiwanuka Achileo, Kizito, Lugido mukasa adolofu, mugagga, sserunkuuma Bruno, tuzinde mbaga, kadoko alexanda, Mubi-Azaalwa, Munyangabyangu Robert, Kifamunnyanja, Kiwanuka Giyaza, Kizza Frederick, Kwabafu, Muwanga Njigija, Lwakisinga Mukasa, Lwanga, Nakabandwa Danieri, Wasswa, Walukagga Nuwa, and Muzeeyi Jean-Marie.
Martyrs Day, a public holiday in Uganda, is fast becoming an African religious event celebrating these Saints of the Church.
https://thecooperator.news/martyrs-day-celebration-nebbi-pilgrims-begin-438km-journey-to-namugongo/
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