Uganda Episcopal Conference calls for parish-based Martyrs’ Day celebrations on 3 June 2026

Christopher Kisekka – Kampala

In a Pastoral Statement issued by the UEC Chairperson, Bishop Anthony Zziwa, of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, the bishops directed that this year’s commemorations be decentralised, with each diocese and parish organising its own liturgical celebrations while strictly adhering to Ministry of Health guidelines.

Parish celebrations

“Following the government’s directive to postpone the national pilgrimage, the Uganda Episcopal Conference directs that the Uganda Martyrs’ Day be observed in the various dioceses and parishes,” the statement read.

Bishop Zziwa emphasised that despite the postponement of the large gathering at Namugongo, the day remains a profound moment for the Church in Uganda to honour the martyrs’ heroic witness of faith and courage.

Saint Charles Lwanga

The Feast of the Uganda Martyrs, also known in the universal Church as the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, is marked every year on 3 June in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

While the national pilgrimage to Namugongo has become a major spiritual event attracting hundreds of thousands of faithful from Uganda and beyond, the core celebration remains rooted in local parish communities.

This year, the Diocese of Kasese had been entrusted with coordinating and animating the national celebrations and had launched a fundraising drive to cover logistics, transport, accommodation, and liturgical preparations. Some contributions had already been received including one from the central government.

Pilgrims return home

Some Catholic faithful had already begun long foot pilgrimages to Namugongo when the postponement was announced, with several groups now returning to their homes.

In their message, the Ugandan bishops urged the faithful to use the day for fervent prayer for the nation, for health workers, and for all those affected by the Ebola outbreak. They called on Catholics to remain calm, united, and hopeful, living out the martyrs’ enduring legacy of fidelity to Christ, love, sacrifice, and truth.