MTN aids Masaka Diocese to celebrate Martyrs Day

MTN Uganda has announced its partnership with the Masaka Catholic Diocese ahead of the upcoming Martyrs Day celebrations on the 3rd of June.

This year’s celebrations shall be led by the Masaka Diocese, having been cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic that made it impossible for the Catholic church to organise the event that brings together close to a million people every year.

MTN Uganda has over the years supported various Catholic dioceses in organising this historically important religious day that attracts pilgrims from far and wide.

This year, MTN Uganda has handed over a cheque of Shs 20 million to Masaka.

The funds are a contribution to help the diocese in its preparations for the upcoming celebrations. And due to the stringent Covid-19 preventive SOPS, fewer people are expected to attend the event.

Because these restrictions, most of the proceedings leading up to and during the celebrations will be broadcast on TV for the faithful to follow.

This will include live updates every day, starting on Wednesday 26th May 2021 and all through the week peaking on 3rd June 2021 with the main celebrations.

While announcing the partnership, Joseph Bogera the MTN Uganda General Manager, Sales and Distribution said that MTN will ensure that all the people who might not be able to physically be part of the activities leading up to and the main celebrations at Namugongo are able to follow the proceedings on TV.

"We have supported our Christian brothers and sisters over the years and this year is not any different. However, considering that this year’s celebrations are happening amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the pilgrims may not be able to attend the celebrations physically. As MTN, we have pledged our resources to support them follow the Martyrs day celebrations digitally," Bogera said.

Bogera urged the pilgrims to be vigilant with their health and observe the SOPs as they celebrate the days ahead.

The Masaka Diocese Bishop, Serverus Jjumba thanked MTN Uganda for its continued support towards the church.

"We are honoured that by the Grace of God, you have come all the way to support and stand with us as we commemorate this very important day on the Christian calendar. We also find great comfort in the fact that you will support the church in carrying the message and spirt of the celebrations to our brothers and sisters who might not attend the celebrations physically. I pray that God continues to give you the grace to be your brothers keepers,” said Bishop Jjumba who also recited a prayer of blessing.

Bishop Jjumba encouraged the pilgrims from Masaka and across the country, to maintain the SOPs as the country continues to navigate the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic.

The Uganda Martyrs Day that is observed every 3rd of June, commemorates the 45 martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, then King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887.

This year marks 57 years since the Uganda Martyrs were canonised and elevated to sainthood by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964.