President Yoweri Museveni has lauded the transformative role of Christianity in Uganda, as the country marked the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, President Museveni emphasized the “value addition” Christianity has brought to Ugandan society through its introduction of scientific knowledge, education, and social values.
“Christianity added value to our understanding of God and the fear of God,” Museveni stated during a special ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, led by Chief Celebrant Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences and Special Envoy of Pope Francis.
Museveni noted that while Uganda’s indigenous groups had a belief in one God—referred to as Ruhanga Nyamuhanga—Christianity enhanced this spiritual understanding. He credited early Christian missionaries for introducing scientific practices that helped improve health, such as boiling milk to reduce disease.
The President also highlighted Christian values such as love for one’s neighbor, hard work, and the hope of resurrection, which played a crucial role in guiding Uganda during its struggles. He commended the themes of the anniversary symposium, which focused on preserving nature and addressing social and environmental challenges.
“This is part of the value addition of Christianity, as some of our ancestors worshipped mountains and rocks,” Museveni remarked.
Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson urged Africans to take inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs, who were canonized 60 years ago, to build a future grounded in faith, integrity, and transparency.
“The Uganda Martyrs were true Africans transformed by the Gospel into worthy disciples of Jesus,” Turkson said. “Their example teaches us valuable lessons of faith, integrity, transparency, and governance. They inspire us to work towards a better future for Africa.”
Turkson, highlighting the youthfulness of the martyrs, such as Charles Lwanga and his companions, called on contemporary African youth to engage with their faith. He also stressed the importance of fighting corruption, using the martyrs’ commitment to Christian values as an example.
“Let us become artisans of hope by embracing gospel values and promoting a corruption-free Africa,” Turkson urged.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, praised the Uganda Martyrs as extraordinary examples of faith, hope, and integrity. “Their testimony is a call for all of us to be beacons of hope, instruments of peace, and defenders of the God-given dignity of every human being,” Bianco said.
Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, described the martyrs as “Luminous Heroes of Uganda, Models of the Catholic Faith,” expressing deep gratitude to those who played a role in their canonization.
Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, spoke about the martyrs’ profound impact on the growth of Christianity in Uganda and around the world. His message, delivered by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, recognized the martyrs as Uganda’s special contribution to the global Christian faith.
“Their heroic acts challenge us to witness Christ, even in difficult situations,” Bishop Zziwa said.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Stephen Mubiru, reflected on the continuing relevance of the martyrs to Africa’s growing church, emphasizing the anniversary’s theme, “The Blood of the Martyrs: Seeds of Hope for an Integral Ecology.”
Top Ugandan officials, including Deputy Speaker Tayebwa, Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, and other government leaders, joined the Catholic faithful at the Vatican for the commemoration. Former opposition leaders Salam Musumba and Mathias Mpuuga also participated in the event, which honored the 45 Uganda Martyrs canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
The Uganda Martyrs—22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans—were executed between 1885 and 1887 by King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. Their journey to sainthood began in 1915 when the Catholic Church beatified them, culminating in their canonization nearly 50 years later.
Today, the Uganda Martyrs are celebrated as the patron saints of Africa, embodying courage and resilience. Their legacy lives on in the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, which continues to draw millions of pilgrims each year.
