On June 3, millions of pilgrims gathered at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo, 16 kilometers northwest of Kampala, to honor Saint Kizito and his fellow Uganda martyrs. The martyrs, who were canonized in 1964, were executed in Namugongo, making it a significant site for the faithful.
The event drew over 3.5 million attendees from across Uganda and around the world, including Africa, Europe, and America. Archbishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach of Gulu led the Mass, highlighting the event’s importance for Ugandan Christians and the global Church. He likened the gathering to a new Pentecost, where people unite in faith.
Archbishop Wokorach urged attendees to draw inspiration from the martyrs’ courage in combating corruption. Uganda, ranked 140th out of 180 by Transparency International for corruption, needs such inspiration, he noted. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the guest of honor, acknowledged the corruption issue and promised to address it in a future address.
This year’s event held special significance as it marked the 60th anniversary of the martyrs’ canonization and the 145th anniversary of evangelization in Uganda by the White Fathers. The remains of two martyrs are expected to be repatriated in September 2024.
The Uganda Martyrs’ story began with the arrival of Missionaries of Africa in 1879, welcomed by King Mutesa. Their evangelization efforts continued under King Mwanga, who eventually turned against the Christians, leading to the execution of Joseph Mukasa and 21 companions, including the 12-year-old Kizito. Alongside the 22 Catholic martyrs, 23 Anglicans were also killed for their faith during this period.
June 3 is a public holiday in Uganda, with both Catholics and Anglicans commemorating their martyrs in Namugongo.