By Kabuye Ronald
The Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC) in Uganda commemorated Uganda Martyrs’ Day at Mamre International Prayer Centre in Namugongo Janda, with a strong call for unity in faith, family, and nationhood.
Leading the celebrations, AOCC Presiding Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the Uganda Martyrs, whose steadfast faith and unity continue to inspire Christians across the country.
Bishop Kibuuka noted that this year’s commemoration was held on a smaller scale due to ongoing health concerns and efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola. Unlike previous years, when thousands of faithful gathered for the annual celebration, attendance was limited in line with public health guidelines.
“We celebrated this year in a simple way with a limited number of faithful because of the ongoing health concerns. However, the significance of the Uganda Martyrs remains unchanged. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Unity in Martyrdom,’” Bishop Kibuuka said during his homily.
He urged Christians to remain committed to the truth and strengthen family bonds through faith and obedience to God’s commandments.
“The Uganda Martyrs serve as a call for us as a Church to always stand for the truth and remain united as one family. Parents should strengthen themselves in religion and guide their children in the ways of God. Today, many families are divided because fathers, mothers, and children follow different beliefs and religions. We need to remain united in faith, in martyrdom, and in all situations. Let us strengthen unity and love,” he said.
The bishop also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among believers to seek personal benefits rather than spiritual growth.
“Nowadays, many people are looking for miracles, easy solutions, and what benefits them personally instead of seeking God and remaining obedient to Him,” he said.
Bishop Kibuuka further called on Ugandans to embrace unity beyond religious and tribal differences, saying national development depends on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
“Let us remain united in Jesus Christ our Savior. We can still be united as Ugandans without segregation or discrimination based on tribe, religion, gender, or politics. Where there are divisions, there can be no development or unity. We are all Ugandans, created by one God and living on the same land. Therefore, we must help one another,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Uganda Martyrs, Bishop Kibuuka noted that although the martyrs came from different tribes and backgrounds, they remained united in their faith in Christ.
“The martyrs came from different tribes, yet they were united in Jesus Christ. That is why we call them the Uganda Martyrs. They teach us the important lesson of standing together and loving one another instead of seeing each other as enemies,” he added.
The annual Uganda Martyrs’ Day commemoration honors the Christian converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith. Their legacy continues to inspire millions of pilgrims and believers who gather each year to celebrate their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to God.
