Catholics Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Canonization of Uganda Martyrs in Vatican

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni praised the impact of Christianity on his country during the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, President Museveni emphasized the “value addition” Christianity brought to Uganda, notably through scientific knowledge, education, and social values.

“Christianity added value to our efforts to understand God and instilled the fear of God,” he said at a special ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican, led by the Chief Celebrant, His Eminence Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences and Special Envoy of Pope Francis.

The President acknowledged that Uganda’s indigenous groups already believed in one God, Ruhanga Nyamuhanga, but said Christianity enhanced this understanding. He credited missionaries with introducing scientific knowledge from Europe, which helped reduce diseases—citing the practice of boiling milk to prevent illness as an example.

Museveni also emphasized Christianity’s focus on values like resurrection, love for one’s neighbor, and hard work, which influenced Uganda during armed conflicts, blending positive cultural practices with Christian teachings.

He praised the symposium’s focus on themes such as preserving nature and addressing social and environmental issues. “This is part of the value addition because some of our ancestors worshipped mountains and rocks,” he added.

Cardinal Turkson urged Africans to draw inspiration from the Ugandan Martyrs, canonized 60 years ago, to build a brighter future based on faith, integrity, and transparency.

“The Ugandan Martyrs were true Africans transformed by the Gospel into worthy disciples of Jesus,” Cardinal Turkson remarked, emphasizing their role in shaping Africa’s Christian identity. “They teach us valuable lessons: faith, integrity, transparency, and governance. Their witness inspires us to create a better future for our land and people.”

Cardinal Turkson also highlighted the martyrs’ youth, noting that Charles Lwanga and his companions were young adults who embodied gospel values, challenging today’s youth to re-engage with their faith. He further stressed the need to combat corruption, following the example of the martyrs. “Let us become artisans of hope, embracing gospel values and promoting a corruption-free Africa.”

Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Most Rev. Luigi Bianco, described the Martyrs as “extraordinary examples of commitment and fidelity to the Lord, models of faith and hope, and authentic witnesses of truth and communion.” Their testimony, he added, “calls on all of us to become beacons of hope, instruments of peace, and defenders of the God-given dignity of every human person.”

Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala, + Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, praised the Martyrs as “Uganda’s Luminous Heroes, Models, and Mentors of the Catholic faith,” expressing deep gratitude to those who contributed to their canonization.

Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, reflected on the Martyrs’ significant role in the growth of faith in Uganda and worldwide, as conveyed in his speech by the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, Lambert Bainomugisha. “The Martyrs are a special contribution by Uganda to Christianity globally, and for this, we are grateful to Almighty God,” he said.

“The heroic act of the Martyrs challenges us to witness Christ in all situations, even in difficult circumstances,” Bishop Zziwa added.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Stephen Mubiru, also noted the Martyrs’ relevance to the African Church, particularly as Africa’s demographics continue to grow. “The anniversary theme, ‘The Blood of the Martyrs: Seeds of Hope for an Integral Ecology,’ is fitting,” he said.

Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, emphasized the Martyrs’ bravery and devotion.

Several Ugandan officials joined the Catholic faithful at St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Uganda Martyrs’ canonization. Among the dignitaries were Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi, and MPs Sarah Opendi, Joseph Ssewungu, and Herbert Ariko.

Former opposition leaders Salam Musumba and Mathias Mpuuga also attended the commemoration, honoring the 22 Ugandan martyrs canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

On June 18, 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized 22 Ugandan Martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 by King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christian faith.

The Uganda Martyrs, initially declared Blessed in 1915, were formally recognized as saints 50 years later. Today, they are revered as patron saints of Africa, inspiring Christians worldwide with their courage and conviction. Their legacy has extended beyond Uganda, symbolizing hope and resilience for persecuted Christians globally.

The Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo, Uganda, has since become a pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors annually.