President Yoweri Museveni has called for growing and creating market’s for Ugandan goods and services in EAC and the African continent.
He noted that this is possible if Ugandans avoid tribal divisions and instead focus on having sustainable market’s in East and the whole of Africa with a combined population of 1.5bn people as of march ,2025.
Museveni was addressing thousands of Christian pilgrims at Namugongo Anglican Site who attended Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.
This years celebrations were organised by the Nothern Uganda Cluster chaired by Jane Ruth Aceng the minister of health. The Northern Uganda cluster comprises of the Dioceses of Northern Uganda, Lango, West Lango, Madi-West Nile, Kitgum, Nebbi The President says with a wider eastern African market Uganda will benefit from Sale of its surplus goods and services.
The president directed that government funding for Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget annually, acknowledging the spiritual significance and massive participation of Ugandans across all religious denominations.
“This year, the government gave the Catholics Shs 2 billion, the Protestants Shs 2 billion and the Muslims Shs 200 million for this occasion. I have directed the government to make this contribution part of the government budget annually, since many Ugandans participate.”
“As you all know, the government spent billions modernizing this infrastructure you see today at both the Catholic and Protestant sites. When the Muslims are ready, we shall also support them because I am told some Muslim followers were also killed by Mwanga. May God bless all of you,” he said.
President Museveni recalled the introduction of new religions in Uganda with Islam’ in 1841 by Ahmad bin Ibrahim, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879.
He said the new religions offered a new understanding of the divine, complementing Uganda’s indigenous faith traditions. “It was wrong for Mwanga to try and kill this new perspective about the supernatural realm,” said the President.
“It is good that young boys and some girls, I am told, were ready to give up their lives for freedom of worship. The President also saluted this spirit of sacrifice. “This is what all and sundry should know about Africans of this area: they can sacrifice for the legitimate causes they believe in,” he noted.
He also recounted and compared the martyrs to sacrifices made in the bush war particularly in the 1981 resistance in Kikandwa against Bazilio Okello.
“Luttamaguzi Edidian, their leader, told them: ‘Temulajana’ Do not lament.’”
“We believe in the freedom of worship and not coercing people to believe in this or that, as long as 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,” he said.
The President also reminded Ugandans of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) historical missions: creating prosperity, ensuring continental security, and leveraging African unity for mutual growth.
“If all adults become wealth-creators, who will buy their products and services? Tribal and sectarian markets are not enough. The national market of Uganda is better, hence our first ideological principle: Patriotism- love Uganda, because you need it for your prosperity,” he said .
“But even Uganda’s market is not big enough. Have you heard of East Africa? Have you heard of Africa? They can buy your surplus. That’s why we embrace Pan-Africanism- love Africa.”
He added Social-Economic Transformation and Democracy as core guiding principles. “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who chaired the National Organizing Committee, said, “On this sacred ground, faith has truly surpassed fear. The Northern Cluster is deeply honoured to have led this year’s commemoration. It is not only a privilege, but a testimony to unity across religions,” she said .
“Their feet were weary, but their spirits were lifted. Their presence affirms shared faith, unity, and the strength of commitment.” Dr. Aceng praised President Museveni’s focus on education, health, peace, and economic empowerment.
” Your Excellency, your dedication to peacebuilding has been felt throughout the nation. Let this Martyrs Day renew our commitment to build a nation anchored on love, justice, and unity.”
Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, led the main service with a powerful message of resilience, hope, and spiritual recommitment.
“The appeal today is simple: it’s a verdict to stand for Jesus. Those who died here would not regret their sacrifice if they see what Namugongo has become. What was meant for evil, God has turned into a blessing,” he said.
The Archbishop urged Ugandans to take action in addressing social issues, particularly substance abuse and mental health.
“Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other substances are destroying lives. As a Church, we commit to advocating against these vices in schools, communities, and even in Butabika Hospital,” he declared.
He appealed to the government of Uganda to consider a National Health Insurance Scheme. “Some may argue it’s financially impossible but where there is a will, there is a way.”
“The foundation of the Church in Uganda is based on the sacrifices and the blood of the martyrs,” he affirmed.
Uganda Martyrs Day is a national religious holiday observed every year on June 3rd. It honors the 45 young Christian converts – 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans who were killed between 1885 and 1887 in the historical kingdom of Buganda (now part of modern-day Uganda).
The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine has evolved into a global religious landmark, attracting pilgrims from across East Africa and as far afield as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Kenya.
