The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kampala, the Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, has called upon believers and well-wishers to extend financial support to the Church for renovation and beautification of the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, one of Uganda’s most iconic religious landmarks.
His call comes as preparations intensify for this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations scheduled for June 3rd.
The Archbishop made the remarks during a special mass held at the shrine to mark the International Day of Families, an annual observance celebrated globally in May.
The event drew hundreds of faithful from across the Archdiocese of Kampala, who gathered to honor the importance of family values and unity within the Church.
“The Catholic Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo is not only a national heritage site but a spiritual home for millions of pilgrims. However, it urgently needs renovation to maintain its sanctity and accommodate the growing number of faithful, especially ahead of Martyrs’ Day,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.
He emphasised that the site continues to attract pilgrims from Uganda and beyond, making it imperative for the Church to implement organised and sustainable restoration efforts.
"We have already initiated some beautification works, but we cannot accomplish much without your continued support," he added.
Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on June 3rd, commemorates the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887 under the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The day remains one of the most significant events on Uganda’s religious calendar, drawing massive crowds each year.
During the same mass, Archbishop Ssemogerere, flanked by fellow priests and Church leaders, blessed eight couples in a symbolic gesture aimed at promoting the sanctity of marriage. He urged the couples to be steadfast in love, uphold their dignity, and serve as role models in their communities.
“As we celebrate family life, let us remember that marriage is a sacred institution. Love one another deeply and raise children who will carry forward values of respect, unity, and faith,” the Archbishop advised.
After the service, congregants offered various gifts in support of the shrine, some giving individually and others in organised groups.
The celebration also featured messages from leaders and servants of the Archdiocese, led by Dick Paul Mukasa, the Chief Marriage Counselor.
He stressed that International Family Day provides a critical platform to promote moral values and family cohesion, particularly among the youth.