As Uganda prepares for the 3rd June commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has highlighted its historical connection to the martyrs while updating the public on preparations for this year’s celebrations.
Organisers from Uganda Christian University noted that the institution’s origins are closely tied to the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, who were executed between 1885 and 1886 under Kabaka Mwanga II.
Historical records show that the former Bishop Tucker Theological School was founded in 1913, about 27 years after the martyrdom, with the aim of training Christians to continue evangelism across Uganda.
Rev. Dr. Canon Stephen Isabirye, Head of Doctrine, Ethics and History at Bishop Tucker School of Theology, said UCU shares a deep spiritual and historical bond with the martyrs.
He explained that after the execution of the young Christian converts, Bishop Tucker established the theological school to train lay readers, reverends, and catechists to continue spreading the Gospel.
Isabirye noted that the theology school began in 1903 at Namirembe Hill in grass-thatched structures before relocating to Mukono Hill in 1913 on land donated by Ham Mukasa. It was later named after Alfred Tucker, and eventually evolved into Uganda Christian University in 1997.
Beyond the historical reflection, Rev Fr Canon Paul Waswa Ssembiro, Head of Chaplaincy and Prayer at UCU, said spiritual preparations for this year’s pilgrimage are progressing well, including intensive rehearsals by a 200-member choir.
He said the 2026 theme, “Jesus Christ, Our Peace, who breaks the walls and heals the nations,” is intended to promote unity among Ugandans amid growing political and social divisions.
Rev Fr Prof John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, said UCU is not new to organizing the pilgrimage and has a long-standing relationship with the Anglican Church in Uganda.
He added that preparations are in full swing, with the organizing committee working with a budget of Shs 4.8 billion.
The government has contributed Shs2 billion, while UCU has committed Shs 1 billion towards the event.
Anglican dioceses across the country are also actively participating in the preparations for the annual pilgrimage.