KAMPALA JUNE 3, 2016(CISA)-Over one million pilgrims attended the Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo Shrines for the annual Uganda Martyrs day June 3.
The pilgrims, according to the organizing committee of the event were drawn from Uganda and other African countries including 4000 from Kenya, 4,500 from Tanzania, 300 from Burundi and 1,500 from Rwanda.
This year’s celebrations are organized by the Catholic diocese of Kiyinda –Mityana under the theme; “The Truth Will Set You Free.”
At the Catholic shrine the prayers were led by Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese while the Anglican Shrine where the guest of honor was the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, the prayers were led by the primate of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali.
The main celebrant is Rt Rev Dr Samuel Chkwudi Ezeofor from Nigeria.
Martyrs Day is celebrated every June 3, in Uganda to remember 45 martyrs, who were killed on orders of Kabaka Mwanga after they refused to denounce Christianity in 1886.
Christians remember martyrs for the bravery exhibited in face of overpowering flames and torture.
They converge at the shrine to pay homage to the grounds that Pope Francis visited and prayed for the martyrs last year.
