The Lugazi Catholic Diocese has confirmed that a 500-member choir will lead this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine on June 3, 2025.
Drawn from parishes across the diocese, the choir features the most talented vocalists selected by choir directors from the grassroots. Rehearsals are currently underway at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish in Kasangalabi, where the choir is polishing both traditional and contemporary liturgical music.
The diocese is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the choir delivers a spiritually enriching and musically excellent performance at one of the largest annual religious events in Uganda.
In addition to choral performances, the celebrations will showcase Ugandan traditional dances from all regions. Pupils from St. Theresa Namilyango Girls Primary School and Stella Maris Primary School have been selected to lead the liturgical dance.
Sister Jane Harriet Nansubuga, the headteacher of Stella Maris Primary School, expressed her gratitude to the Bishop of Lugazi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza, for entrusting her school with this role.
“Our students have consistently excelled in music, dance, and drama competitions. It is an honour for them to perform the Holy Dance at Namugongo,” she said.
Among the choir members is Charles Mwanje, also choir director at Lugazi Catholic Parish, who will be performing at Namugongo for the second time. Mwanje first sang during the 2003 celebrations, also organised by Lugazi Diocese.
“I am honoured to return. I’ve composed several songs for this year’s celebration and cannot wait to share them with the faithful,” Mwanje said.
Stephen Kaziba, a teacher and first-time participant, recalled missing out on the 2003 event due to a transfer to a distant school. “This time, I made it a point to join the choir. I am proud to be part of this spiritual journey,” Kaziba shared.
The choir’s preparations have been led by Martin Ssenyonjo, the diocesan choir leader, who assured the public of the choir’s readiness.
“We’ve conducted extensive physical and online rehearsals,” Ssenyonjo said. “Ten music directors and three trainers per vocal section have been deployed to ensure excellence.”
He added that the performance will reflect Uganda’s diversity, with music, dance, and attire representing all regions of the country.
As June 3rd approaches, all signs point to a powerful and moving celebration at Namugongo, with the choir expected to inspire millions of pilgrims through song and dance in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.
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