Rev. Fr. Didas Kasapuri, the Parish Priest of Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Mbarara City, has challenged Ugandans—particularly national leaders—to draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs by prioritising patriotism, integrity and the protection of public resources.
Speaking to Nile Post on Wednesday, Fr. Kasapuri said the enduring legacy of the Uganda Martyrs is rooted in unwavering faith, selflessness and a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of immense sacrifice.
He noted that genuine patriotism in modern society requires leaders and citizens alike to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“True patriotism and faith are reflected in how we handle the responsibilities and assets entrusted to us,” Fr. Kasapuri said.
“Our leaders, and indeed all citizens, must emulate the Martyrs' transparency and integrity. Public resources are meant for the common good, not personal enrichment. Therefore, they should separate individual pockets from public pockets,” he added.
The priest said the Church is actively supporting the “Kisanja No More Sleep” campaign, which encourages citizens to embrace hard work, responsibility and prayer as tools for national transformation.
“It is time for citizens to take an active role in combating corruption and addressing environmental degradation. Kisanja No More Sleep means waking up and working for the good of our country,” he said.
Fr. Kasapuri also used the occasion to call for stronger environmental stewardship, describing the protection of natural resources as both a civic and spiritual obligation.
“We have a collective duty to protect the environment. Degradation of natural resources directly impacts human life. Preserving the ecosystem is an act of justice required to sustain both current and future generations,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when Uganda continues to grapple with environmental challenges, including deforestation, wetland encroachment and the effects of climate change, which have increasingly drawn concern from religious leaders, environmental activists and policymakers.
In a significant spiritual development, Fr. Kasapuri revealed that the parish is currently hosting first-class relics of St. Charles Lwanga, the revered leader of the Uganda Martyrs who was executed for his faith in 1886.
First-class relics, which consist of physical remains of a saint, are among the most sacred objects in the Catholic Church and hold immense theological and historical significance for believers worldwide.
Despite the importance of the celebrations, Fr. Kasapuri said the parish deliberately adopted a subdued approach this year by suspending the traditional procession that normally attracts large crowds.
“The decision to skip the traditional march was a strict compliance measure to prevent health crises. The parish had to actively enforce Standard Operating Procedures aimed at mitigating the spread of Ebola, prioritising public safety while preserving the spiritual reverence of the occasion,” he said.
The Uganda Martyrs commemorations are among the most significant events on Uganda’s religious calendar, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually to honour the 45 Christian converts killed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.