Religion
President Museveni to Grace St. Gonzaga Gonza Day Celebrations as Chief Pilgrim
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to grace the national celebrations of St. Gonzaga Gonza Day as the Chief Pilgrim. The event will be held on 6th July 2025 at Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District.
Held annually during the first week of July, the celebrations commemorate the life and martyrdom of St. Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered martyrs who was killed for his unwavering faith.
This year’s event is being organized by the Jinja Catholic Diocese. According to Hajji Kirunda, the celebrations will be open to the public without any COVID-19 testing requirements for pilgrims.
The occasion will also be marked by prayers in memory of the late Pope Francis and special intentions for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Fr. Gerald Mutto, Chancellor of Jinja Diocese, assured the public that preparations are in advanced stages and promised a well-organised and spiritually enriching celebration.
Thousands of pilgrims from across the country are expected to attend, united in faith and devotion to honour the legacy of St. Gonzaga Gonza.
Who Was St. Gonzaga Gonza?
- Born around 1862 in Busoga, Gonzaga was the son of Gonzabato. He was kidnapped as a child and brought to Buganda, where he was raised in the household of Nkambo Buluusi, who treated him as his own.
- Known for his obedience, kindness, intelligence, and diligence, Gonzaga served in the palace of King Muteesa from the age of 12.
- Over time, he professed Islam, then Protestantism, and eventually embraced Catholicism, being baptised on 17th November 1885.
- Gonzaga exemplified Christian charity when he volunteered to take the place of Namulabira, who had been falsely accused of befriending royal women.
- Arrested at Munyonyo, Gonzaga spent a night in chains. Though the chains could not be removed, he endured the pain and dragged them as far as Namugongo.
- He collapsed along the way and was executed by Mukajanga on 27th May 1886, at the age of 24.
St. Gonzaga Gonza is venerated as the Patron Saint of prisoners, travellers, the oppressed, and those in distress.
