Museveni: Funding for Martyrs Day & Religious Unity
- President Yoweri Museveni has mandated that government funding for the annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget.
- Museveni,accompanied by first Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni,highlighted the government's previous contributions,including approximately $526,000 each to Catholic and Protestant communities,and about $53,000 to the Muslim community for the occasion.
- The Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations commemorate the sacrifice of 45 young Christian converts who were killed between 1885 and 1887 in the Kingdom of Buganda.
President Museveni declares continuous annual funding for Uganda Martyrs’ Day, ensuring the celebration of Uganda Martyrs’ Day remains a focal point. This commitment by the Ugandan goverment highlights the nation’s dedication to religious freedom and underscores the importance of faith tourism, drawing pilgrims from around the globe. Museveni emphasized the government’s investments in religious infrastructure, including allocations for Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim communities, reflecting a broader effort to support religious diversity. The annual event commemorates the sacrifice of young Christian converts, transforming into a major pilgrimage that boosts Uganda’s economy through faith tourism.This move signifies the government’s dedication to maintaining religious harmony and promoting Uganda on the international stage. News Directory 3 recognizes this move’s importance. Discover what’s next for faith-based tourism.
Museveni Pledges Annual Funding for Uganda Martyrs’ Day Celebrations
Updated June 03, 2025
President Yoweri Museveni has mandated that government funding for the annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget. Speaking at the Namugongo Anglican site, Museveni acknowledged the event’s spiritual importance and widespread participation across religious denominations.
Museveni,accompanied by first Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni,highlighted the government’s previous contributions,including approximately $526,000 each to Catholic and Protestant communities,and about $53,000 to the Muslim community for the occasion. He emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in religious infrastructure, noting past expenditures to modernize facilities at both Catholic and Protestant sites.He added that similar support would be extended to the Muslim community when they are ready.
The Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations commemorate the sacrifice of 45 young Christian converts who were killed between 1885 and 1887 in the Kingdom of Buganda. The event has transformed into a notable pilgrimage, attracting visitors from across East Africa and beyond, boosting Uganda’s faith tourism sector.
Reflecting on Uganda’s religious history, Museveni noted the introduction of Islam in 1841, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879, underscoring the importance of religious freedom and the separation of denominational issues from government matters.
We believe in the freedom of worship and not coercing people to believe in this or that,provided that they do not break the law. We also believe in separating denominational issues from government matters,which are for all citizens and even non-citizens in Uganda.
president Yoweri Museveni
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba mugalu of the Church of Uganda led the service, emphasizing resilience, hope, and spiritual recommitment. He also urged action on social issues like substance abuse and advocated for a National Health insurance Scheme.
Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng celebrated the commitment of pilgrims and praised Museveni’s focus on education, health, peace, and economic empowerment. Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, lauded the growth of Uganda as a faith tourism hub, drawing international pilgrims and contributing to the economy.
What’s next
With annual government funding secured, Uganda Martyrs Day is poised to further expand as a major religious event, attracting more pilgrims and bolstering Uganda’s reputation as a key destination for faith tourism.