Jinja Diocese impresses at the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations

This year’s celebrations have been spearheaded by the Jinja Diocese.

The Diocese, led by Bishop Charles Martin Wamika, put on an impressive show with a boisterous and vibrant choir, whose soothing church hymns in lusoga left the crowds in awe.

This was followed by a well-choreographed pattern of segments that included the bible reading, a sermon from Bishop Ssemogerere, and speeches from some of the leaders.

The event was graced by leaders of all kinds, including political leaders such as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented the President; National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi; the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV; and the prime minister of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, among others.

In a speech read by Nabbanja, the President emphasised the need to fight poverty through government programmes such as the Parish Development Model.

These, he said, should be taken advantage of in order to move the majority of people living below the poverty line into the money economy.

The Uganda Police put in place strict security measures to ensure safety.

Cameras and bulky outerwear were prohibited in both the Catholic and Anglican churches.

The prohibition, according to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson, was intended to ensure safe celebrations.

On theft-related charges stemming from allegedly robbing pilgrims who flocked to Namugongo, Wakiso District, for the Uganda Martyrs' Day celebration, police have detained at least 70 individuals. One of the 68 male suspects was detained on suspicion of illegally obtaining goods from government stores, compared to the two female suspects.

Despite the heavy deployment of several security personnel from the police and the army, among others, criminal elements couldn’t stay away from the commemoration venue, according to police.