By Mary Asujo
With just five months left to June 3 2023, the Anglicans have commissioned vigorous activities to begin an early preparations for Martyrs day celebrations slated for June 3, 2023.
This was at a press conference held at the shrine of Martyrs in Namugongo. The theme for 2023 Matyrs Day is: United for sustainable service and growth.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Central Regions, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala commended government for the support rendered towards the success of the event.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga who is also Kamuli woman MP, said they intend to showcase the Anglican site because many people didn’t know where it’s situated. “Today, let’s portray this image that we are here and call on people to come for pilgrimage. We hope to walk this journey together because the museum is up, the world is aware” Kadaga said.
She appealed to cooperation’s, friends to respond to this noble cause when they begin sending them letters requesting for support.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to know each other and learn from each other too. Our journey started from Namirembe Cathedral, where we laid a wreath on the grave of late Bishop James Hannington because as Anglicans, we feel that not enough prominence has been given to so we wanted to show the world that he was among the massacred martyrs along with those known,” she added.
The First deputy prime minister assured the nation of a spectacular martyrs celebrations come 2023 because the committee is comprised of focused people and it includes; the host Bishop Jackson Matovu, State Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu , State Minister of Works Hon. Echweru Musa, State Minister of Security, Hon. Markson Oboth Oboth, State Minister of lands, Hon. Persis Namuganza among others.
Yesterday in a meeting with the president and other bishops, His Excellency directed the minister of Ethics to prepare a cabinet paper to be discussed on Monday to accord him recognition as one of the martyrs so that 29th October is celebrated as a country.
Kadaga said that the other purpose of the launch to showcase the Anglican site because several people didn’t know the Anglican site and also whenever it rained, people never had shelter.
“People should come because there is now shelter and we thank government for building the shelter since the eastern cluster will be the first to use the facility which will be ready in December,” said Kadaga.
State minister of security, Hon. Markson Oboth Oboth assured pilgrims that uganda is peaceful and safe, they should come without fear.
The chairperson of the eastern cluster, Bishop Sam Bogere Egesa explained that government’s commitment in the cause is commendable and told the meeting that the event is going to be coordinated well.
On Wednesday, as the Church of Uganda Eastern Region prepared to kick start preparations to commemorate Uganda martyrs next year 2023, First prime minister and minister for East African community affairs, Rebecca Kadaga expressed concern that the first martyr, Bishop Hannington was not given the recognition he deserved.
Kadaga who is a co-chair of the organizing committee had said it’s the reason her committee decided to lay a wreath on Hannington’s grave before informing the country on their planned activities. 10 dioceses of Eastern region were charged with the responsibility of organizing next year’s church of Uganda martyrs Day.
The chief guest expected is President Museveni. The main celebrant is His Grace Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu. The guest preacher is the head of Anglican Church of North America, bishop
