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President Yoweri Museveni has Tuesday announced a directive to allocate funds annually for the event in the national budget.
The President announced the order during this year’s Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican Martyrs Site in Namugongo.
“I have directed the government to make this contribution part of the national budget annually since many Ugandans participate,” Museveni said.
President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet on arrival at the Namugongi Anglican Martyrs site
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He revealed that for this year, the government contributed Shs 2 billion each to the Catholic and Anglican dioceses, and Shs 200 million to the Muslim community to help with preparations for the celebrations.
President Museveni expressed his joy at seeing tens of thousands of people trekking to Namugongo, some even camping overnight, to honour the memory of the martyrs.
“I am happy to see so many of you, trekking to come here, sleeping here, celebrating and being very happy,” he remarked,
“I am so happy when I come and see so many people walking here and remembering those young people who 140 years ago rejected the narrow-mindedness of Mwanga and his cruelty."
The President announced the order during this year’s Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican Martyrs Site in Namugongo,
Martyrs Day Goes On Despite Terrorist Threat
This year’s Martyrs Day event, themed around “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5), was led by the Lugazi Diocese, which took over the celebrations from Nebbi Diocese that had led the event in 2024.
The celebrations proceeded despite security challenges, including an earlier terrorist attack at the Munyonyo shrine.
The President announced the order during this year’s Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican Martyrs Site in Namugongo,
Two people moving on a bodaboda attempted access the shrine and explode a suicide vest.
The attack was promptly neutralised by security forces, ensuring the safety of pilgrims and participants.
The President announced the order during this year’s Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican Martyrs Site in Namugongo,
Meanwhile, President Museveni noted the investments that have been made by the government to modernise infrastructure at both the Protestant and Catholic shrines in Namugongo, improving facilities for the growing number of pilgrims.
Museveni acknowledged this progress and assured continued support for all faith communities, including Muslims.
“When the Muslims are ready, we shall also support them because I am told that some Muslim followers were killed by Mwanga,” he said.
Historical Significance and Public Holiday Status
President Museveni also recounted the origins of Martyrs Day as a public holiday in Uganda. After the liberation war, the government agreed with Cardinal Nsubuga to officially designate 3rd June as a national holiday.
Prior to this, the commemorations were held on weekends,.
Martyrs Day honours the memory of young Ugandans who sacrificed their lives in the late 19th century rather than renounce their faith.