By URN
The Catholic Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, led by Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali, has joined Ugandan faithful in commemorating this year’s Martyrs Day at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, Kira Municipality.
According to Fr. Phillip Odii, Director of Communications at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the delegation of Rwandan bishops arrived on Monday evening to participate in the spiritual commemoration. “The bishops from Rwanda are already here; they too have come as pilgrims,” said Fr. Odii.
Their visit marks a historic milestone—the 125th anniversary of the evangelization of Rwanda. Church sources indicate that the first Catholic missionaries arrived in Rwanda in 1900 via Uganda, accompanied by Ugandan catechists, who became Rwanda’s first evangelizers.
As part of their pilgrimage, the Rwandan bishops paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, and also toured Lubaga Cathedral to reflect on the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs.
The mystery and legacy of the Uganda Martyrs continue to transcend borders, drawing pilgrims from across Africa and around the world, many of whom walk great distances in honor of the martyrs’ sacrifice.
Over the years, the Namugongo shrine has hosted three Popes, including Pope Paul VI, the first pontiff to visit Africa. This year’s celebrations, animated by the Diocese of Lugazi, have attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims, including clergy, religious leaders, and faithful from Uganda, neighboring countries, and the diaspora.
Many pilgrims traveled on foot, in a profound expression of faith and devotion. The pilgrimage commemorates a group of young converts to Christianity who were executed during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga for refusing to renounce their faith. In 1964, 22 Catholic martyrs were canonized, becoming the first saints of modern Africa.
Held under the theme “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again, I Your Pilgrim of Hope,” this year’s Martyrs Day has been lauded for improved organization and security. Pilgrims reported smooth access, organized queues, and efficient coordination by security teams, reflecting continuous improvements by event organizers.
