By Kabuye Ronald
The Chairperson of Christian Ecumenical Council of Uganda [CECU] who is also the presiding Bishop for the Evangelical Orthodox Church (EOC) in Uganda Jacinto Kibuuka has revealed the reason as to why every Christian should celebrate the Uganda Martyrs.
While giving the final celebration arrangements for 3rd, June after the inspection of Mamre International Prayer Centre at Namugongo, Janda, Kira Municipality, Wakiso district by the state minister for internal affairs Gen. David Muhoozi, Deputy Inspector general of police Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi and various security heads, Bishop Kibuuka said that martyr’s didn’t die for any particular religion but rather for their faith in Jesus Christ hence making it an obligation to all the followers of Jesus Christ to celebrate the brevity of the Martyrs but also strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ
“It’s an open secret that some of the Martyrs were not baptized in any religion though they were being taught about God and His son Jesus Christ hence perhaps they may have been baptized in our religion.” Said Bishop Kibuuka.
Bishop Kibuuka said so far over 100 pilgrims from Kamwenge, Isingiro have already arrived and they are expecting more from Kibuuku, Kiryandongo and Lira districts.
Bishop Kibuuka who also revealed that apart from security, government has not accorded them any other support said that this year’s prayers will be led by the Evangelical Orthodox Church with the company of other five religions with the Chief preacher being Peter Ndabuki from Machakos, Kenya. He added that they will begin with the martyr’s healing and deliverance overnight prayers on Friday, 2nd, June and on 3rd June the celebrations will begin at 10am.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi called upon all pilgrims, well-wishers and faith-based tourists, to remain vigilant and extra alert. In addition to being aware of their physical health and condition, by avoiding risks like subjecting themselves to hunger, thirst, standing for long hours, congestion and perseverance. In case of any signs of weakness, seek for medical attention.
Bishop Kibuuka said they expect over 3000 people on the day and that so far seven bishops and 60 priests from different countries have confirmed their physical attendance.
The religions that unite under CECU include: Evangelical Orthodox Church, Charismatic Episcopal Church, Worldwide Anglican Church, Orthodox Anglican Church, Reformed Anglican Church, Orthodox Anglican church
