Faith Over Fear: Thousands Honour Uganda Martyrs at Munyonyo After Bomb Explosion

Despite early morning security concerns on June 3rd, thousands of faithful gathered at Uganda Martyrs Shrine Munyonyo to commemorate the lives of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, the Holy Uganda Martyrs.

In the early hours, a bomb exploded at the Andrew Kagwa Bridge, about 100 metres from the Shrine’s main gate, killing two individuals who were carrying it. According to Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information for the UPDF, the army’s counter-terrorism unit intercepted and neutralised the two-armed terrorists during an intelligence-led operation.

While the incident caused panic, prompting some worshippers to leave the Shrine and others to remain in their homes, many others, drawing courage from the Martyrs’ example, chose to wait for security clearance and proceeded to join the Mass.

Last year, more than 3,000 believers gathered at the shrine for the celebration, and these numbers were expected to double this year. The Mass, which began roughly 20 minutes behind schedule, reminded the faithful of the Uganda Martyrs’ unwavering commitment to their faith and their ultimate sacrifice for Christ.

^{_{Some of the parishioners carrying the Offertory Gifts During Mass}}

Fr. Male, the Shrine’s rector, offered a brief history of the site, noting that it has been 139 years since the Uganda Martyrs chose to die for their beliefs. He stressed that while many of the Martyrs were burned alive at Namugongo, the journey of martyrdom began in Munyonyo, then the palace of King Mwanga II, where three of them were killed: St. Andrew Kaggwa, St. Denis Ssebugwawo, and St. Ponsiano Ngondwe. Others met their deaths in various locations, including Owino, Old Kampala, Kireka, and Mityana.

“They gave their lives for Christ at Namugongo, but the journey started here. Some were even baptised here,” said Fr. Male. “We gather today to celebrate our heroes of faith.”

^{_{Fr. Male, the Shrine Rector, Addressing the Faithful}}

He noted that attendance was lower than expected due to the bomb scare but expressed gratitude for the safety of the shrine and the pilgrims. “Though we are fewer than in past years, I believe our courage and gratitude are even greater. This is not just a celebration of the Uganda Martyrs but also a thanksgiving for God’s protection,” he added.

Fr. Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, the main celebrant, commended the faithful who braved the morning events to attend the Mass.

“Thank you for travelling from near and far to express and experience the faith we profess in the Creed when we say, ‘I believe in the communion of saints,’” he said. “To some, this might seem foolish, that people would travel from abroad or even walk for days to honour what they perceive as the spirits of the dead.”

^{_{The Main Celebrant, Fr. Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, Giving Homily}}

He clarified, however, that Catholics do not worship the Martyrs, but rather God, through His saints. “When we honour the Martyrs, we worship God, who made them saints, who gave them to us as examples, and who hears our prayers through their intercession.”

Fr. Ssebunnya described Munyonyo as a place of spiritual defiance, where fear is overcome by faith. “This morning’s events reminded us of that legacy. Why else would you cross a bomb line to come and pray, unless driven by faith?”

He also recalled the messages left by three popes who have visited Uganda: Pope Paul VI in 1969, Pope John Paul II in 1993, and Pope Francis in 2015. Pope Paul VI, the first reigning pope to visit Africa, canonised the Uganda Martyrs in 1964 and encouraged Africans to be missionaries to their fellow Africans. Pope John Paul II, during his visit, proclaimed, “May the fire that consumed the martyrs never burn out in this country.” Pope Francis, who visited Munyonyo in 2015, lauded the devotion of Ugandans who walk long distances to commemorate the Martyrs’ Day on June 3rd.

Fr. Ssebunya urged the faithful to live out these papal messages daily, to witness Christ and embody the spirit of the Martyrs in their lives.

^{_{Some of the pilgrims from Kenya bringing their offering to the Altar.}}

According to CP Muleterwa Anatoli, the head of the Community Policing Department, the terrorists had planned to launch an attack during the celebration, but the security operatives averted it. He reiterated that the security forces remain committed to safeguarding Ugandans and their property.

After Mass, there was a celebration of the Parish Day. Parishioners and well-wishers participated in several activities including marching past their priests, Fr. Paul Mutaasa and Fr. Ronnie Kibagajjo, dancing, as well as entertainment from different choirs plus a cultural troupe, children’s entertainment, cake cutting among others.

^{_{Members of the Parish Executive pose for a photo with fathers Mutaasa and Kibagajjo after Mass}}