Church of Uganda Launches Sh2.2 Billion Fundraising Drive for Historic 2025 Martyrs Day Celebrations

Namirembe, Kampala — April 23, 2025

The Church of Uganda has officially launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise Sh2.2 billion for what is anticipated to be the most spiritually and symbolically significant Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebration in recent history.

This year’s national event, scheduled for June 3, 2025, at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site, will be led by the Northern Uganda Regional Cluster comprising the Dioceses of Northern Uganda, Lango, West Lango, Madi-West Nile, Kitgum, and Nebbi.

Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum, Bishop of Northern Uganda and Chairman of the Cluster, confirmed that preparations are well underway. He made the remarks while leading a delegation of Bishops in a meeting with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe.

In attendance were Bishops Wilson Kitara (Kitgum), Charles Collins Andaku (Madi West Nile), Pons Awinjo Ozelle (Nebbi), Julius Caesar Nina Otim (West Lango), Prof. Alfred Olwa (Lango), and Johnson Gakumba, retired Bishop of Northern Uganda. The Provincial Treasurer, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, also participated in the strategic meeting.

Bishop Loum announced that the main preacher will be Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been invited as the Chief Guest. The event is expected to draw more than one million pilgrims from Uganda and around the world.

“The Cluster has finalized the budget and shared it with all key stakeholders. We are optimistic about government support to meet major financial needs,” Bishop Loum said.

He also unveiled plans to install solar-powered lighting around the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site as a souvenir project and confirmed a 400-member choir, with each diocese contributing 50 choristers, to lead worship during the celebration.

For safety reasons, the organizing team has advised that pregnant women and individuals with existing health conditions refrain from participating in the foot pilgrimage to Namugongo.

Security measures will be intensified to ensure the safety of pilgrims and visiting dignitaries.

Archbishop Kaziimba commended the Regional Cluster for its unity and dedication. He also praised the National Organizing Committee chaired by Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for their commitment and called on development partners to support the initiative.

“As a Church, this day calls us to proclaim the Gospel with boldness, inspired by the unwavering faith of the Uganda Martyrs,” the Archbishop said during the commissioning of the Cluster for the national assignment.

Uganda Martyrs Day commemorates the sacrifice of 45 young Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith. It remains one of the most important religious events in the East African region.