The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasese yesterday launched a fundraising campaign to raise Shs 4.5 billion to facilitate preparations for this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
The fundraising drive was officially unveiled yesterday, Sunday, at the diocesan headquarters in Kasese, with the Bishop calling on Christians, well-wishers, development partners, and the business community to support what he described as a historic and spiritually significant occasion for the diocese.
Addressing the faithful during the launch, diocesan officials said the Shs 4.5 billion budget will cater for logistical arrangements, transport, accommodation, liturgical preparations, choir animation, publicity, welfare, and other essential activities to ensure a successful national celebration. The funds will also support pilgrim mobilisation and coordination efforts both within and outside the diocese.
This year’s animation of the national Martyrs Day celebrations marks a significant milestone for Kasese Diocese, which last led the annual event in 2005. Church leaders noted that returning to animate the celebrations nearly two decades later is both an honour and a responsibility that requires thorough preparation. The diocese will animate under the theme “Christ is alive in you and me”
Uganda Martyrs Day, celebrated every June 3rd, commemorates the 45 young Christian converts—22 Catholic and 23 Anglican—who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II for refusing to renounce their faith. The day attracts millions of pilgrims from across Uganda and neighbouring countries, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in Africa.
Bishop of the diocese of Kasese emphasized that animating the celebration at Namugongo is not only about leading the liturgy but also about showcasing the unity, faith and cultural identity of the people of Kasese. He called upon all parishes, institutions and individuals within the diocese to contribute generously towards the noble cause.
“We invite all Christians and friends of the Diocese of Kasese to stand with us in prayer and financial support as we prepare to lead the nation in honouring the Uganda Martyrs,” Bishop said.
The fundraising campaign will run through parish-level drives, special collections, pledges from institutions, and outreach to corporate partners. A diocesan organizing committee has been constituted to oversee the mobilization and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
As preparations gather momentum, leaders expressed confidence that with collective effort and goodwill, the diocese will successfully raise the required Shs 4.5 billion and deliver a memorable and spiritually uplifting Martyrs Day celebration at Namugongo.
