President Museveni Pledges Support to Develop Bugonza Shrine and Other Uganda Martyrs Sites

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasised the need to develop Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District into a religious tourism site.

According to the President, the government has been allocating funds annually in the national budget to support Christians in commemorating Martyrs Day. He said the government will also develop the birthplaces of Uganda Martyrs, including Bugonza and Kyebando in Mayuge, the birthplaces of Gonzaga Gonza and Matia Mulumba respectively.

“Developing this site here will be done. I discussed with the priests and told them what shall be done here at Bugonza, and also at Matia Mulumba’s place in Kyebando and Bishop Hannington’s site in Kyando, because all these people are important and capture the sentiment of our people,” President Museveni said.

The President made the remarks on Sunday, 6th July 2025, as the Chief Pilgrim at this year’s St. Gonzaga Gonza Day national celebrations held at Bugonza Shrine, Kaliro District. The celebrations were organized by the Jinja Diocese.

The day commemorates the life and martyrdom of Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered martyrs who was killed for his faith.

“I’m very happy to be here to take part in these celebrations to commemorate St. Gonzaga Gonza,” the President noted, adding that the government declared June 3rd a public holiday to enable all Ugandans to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.

“Before the NRM came, people would wait for a weekend to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day. But when I came, I discussed with Cardinal Nsubuga to make it a public holiday,” he added.

The President also reminded the congregation that on June 9th, the country celebrates Heroes Day in honor of those who shed their blood to liberate Uganda.

“This shows you the nature of the people of Uganda,” he said.

President Museveni pledged further support for the development projects of the Jinja Diocese. He pledged Shs 950 million to support the completion of the Minor Seminary in Iganga, Shs 300 million to the Priests’ SACCO in the Diocese of Jinja, and Shs 300 million to complete their commercial building in Kamuli District.

He also pledged, on behalf of the government, to fully finance the completion of the Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja.

“I’m glad these priests know how to use resources sparingly. We gave them Shs 2 billion to celebrate Namugongo Martyrs Day two years ago when Jinja Diocese led the celebrations. They used some and saved the rest to start the Martyrs Hospital, which we are going to complete,” the President said.

He added that through the government, Bugonza and Kyebando Catholic pilgrimage sites will be developed in the Financial Year 2026/2027.

The President also donated a tractor to support agricultural production in the Diocese of Jinja.

Additionally, President Museveni pledged financial support for Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Diocese toward his medical treatment.

“I’m very sorry that the Bishop is sick, and we are going to do everything possible to support him,” he said.

The President thanked Bishop Wamika for promoting the message of wealth creation and urged Christians to participate in the Parish Development Model (PDM) to overcome poverty.

“I often hear people saying PDM money is being stolen and they want us to start other programs. I insist on the proper use of parish funds. Every part of Uganda has a parish, and we are sending Shs 100 million each year. In five years, that’s Shs 500 million,” he said.

He explained that after two years, those who first benefited will return the Shs 1 million with Shs 120,000 interest, and by the fifth year, the parish will have Shs 800 million.

“Even if the government doesn’t add more money after two years, the parish bank will have Shs 1.6 billion,” he said.

President Museveni noted that the PDM is better than relying on moneylenders who charge up to Shs 400,000 monthly interest on Shs 1 million loans.

“There’s a solution for everyone. I urge you to inspect what is happening with your money,” he said.

Earlier, a Holy Mass to mark the 139th anniversary of Gonzaga Gonza’s martyrdom was led by the Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Obbo.

In a speech delivered by Fr. Gerald Muto, the Chancellor and Bishop’s Secretary, Bishop Wamika informed the President that the Diocese had embraced the wealth creation message in all its parishes.

“Sir, I don’t see anything wrong with religious leaders promoting wealth creation among followers. We cannot continue preaching to impoverished congregations. Patriotism and wealth creation are not political messages. It is our joint responsibility as religious and political leaders to change people’s mindsets,” Bishop Wamika stated.

He called on fellow religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council to preach the message of wealth creation with renewed energy.

“Preaching to people with empty stomachs is a waste of time—they can’t appreciate even the best messages,” he added.

The Bishop also appealed for government support to further develop the pilgrim sites of Bugonza and Kyebando into religious tourism sites.

In a special note, Bishop Wamika thanked President Museveni for financially supporting his medical treatment.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, congratulated President Museveni on his nomination as NRM National Chairperson and presidential flag bearer.

She emphasized the importance of recognizing and developing all Uganda Martyrs’ sites, and for the government to allocate funds for national celebrations in their respective places of origin.