The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has granted Uganda Christian University (UCU) the mantle to continue as lead organiser for the Anglican community celebrations of Uganda Martyrs’ Day in 2027.
During a visit to the Anglican Martyrs’ Site in Namugongo on Wednesday, Archbishop Kaziimba, who also serves as Chancellor of UCU, officially received completed renovation and construction projects undertaken by the university ahead of the 2026 celebrations.
He commended the institution for its commitment to improving the martyrs’ site and encouraged it to continue with the ongoing works.
“Continue working and finish the good work you have started,” Kaziimba said in response to UCU’s request to continue overseeing preparations for the next celebrations.
The request was formally presented by Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Academic Affairs at UCU.
“It is within my prerogative as the Archbishop and Chancellor of the University, so take it on,” Archbishop Kaziimba added.
His remarks come in the wake of a government directive suspending the traditional mass pilgrimages for this year’s Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations as part of efforts to contain the spread of Ebola.
Accompanied by several dignitaries, the archbishop toured and inspected newly completed infrastructure at the Anglican Martyrs’ Site.
The projects included modern toilet facilities, paved and gravelled walkways, a renovated amphitheatre, a 50,000-litre solar-powered water tank, improved street lighting and upgraded signage across the site.
Addressing Anglicans across the country, Kaziimba urged Christians to observe June 3, 2026, not simply as a public holiday but as a day of worship and spiritual reflection.
He also called on believers to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health, stressing that public health and safety remain a collective responsibility.
In response to UCU’s request for a “scientific worship service” at Namugongo, the archbishop hinted at the possibility of a limited congregation at the martyrs’ site, subject to further guidance from the Office of the President.
“We have worked extremely hard with the National Organising Committee to ensure that we are ready, if it was not for the Ebola outbreak,” said Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese.
“We are anticipating that we will have a virtual service so that people can participate wherever they are,” he added.
David Mugawe, Co-Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee and UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, said the university’s preparations for the 2026 celebrations focused on safety and security, water and sanitation, and beautification of the martyrs’ site.
Meanwhile, UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi welcomed the Archbishop’s approval for the university to continue spearheading the 2027 celebrations.
“Given the interruptions we have had due to the Ebola outbreak, the Archbishop has graciously allowed us to continue and complete all the ongoing works, which were not yet finished,” Mushengyezi said.
He pledged that additional projects would be unveiled ahead of the 2027 celebrations and appealed to the Anglican Church leadership and management of the martyrs’ site to establish a sustainable maintenance strategy for the new infrastructure.
According to Mushengyezi, such a plan would ensure the facilities continue serving pilgrims, worshippers and museum visitors for years while reflecting excellence worthy of the sacred site.
This year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations are being held under the theme, “Christ Our Peace: Breaking the Walls, Healing the Nations,” drawn from Ephesians 2:14.