Summary:
- Minister Musasizi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting the celebrations.
NEWS: Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has praised the Uganda Martyrs for their courage and devotion, noting that their legacy continues to inspire Christians worldwide.
His remarks came after the global Catholic community marked the 60th anniversary of the Uganda Martyrs’ canonization at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
“It was a memorable experience to join the celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica for the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs. On Mission Sunday, 18 October 1964, Pope Paul VI proclaimed 22 Ugandan martyrs as Saints for their unwavering faith in the face of persecution,” Minister Musasizi said.
He added, “We celebrated their courage and devotion, which continues to inspire Christians around the world.”
Minister Musasizi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting the celebrations. President Museveni was represented by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
In his message, President Museveni highlighted Christianity’s significant role in Uganda’s development, particularly in introducing scientific knowledge, education, and social values.
He noted that Christianity reinforced Uganda’s indigenous belief in one God, Ruhanga Nyamuhanga, and commended early Christian missionaries for sharing European scientific knowledge to reduce disease burdens.
The President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the choir for their uplifting performances, which brought depth and joy to the occasion. “Your voices were truly a gift to the gathering,” he said.
He went on to thank church leaders in Uganda and the Vatican for their tireless efforts in organizing the event.
“Your dedication to preserving the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs is inspiring,” Museveni remarked. “Let us continue to draw inspiration from the martyrs’ courage and conviction, and may their example guide us toward a more harmonious and peaceful world.” He said.
He added “Special thanks were extended to the Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Mbarara, Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, and His Eminence Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, who represented the Holy Father and led the Holy Mass”.
In his message, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa reflected on the bravery of the 22 martyrs, who refused to renounce their faith, even at the cost of their lives.
“Their legacy transcends Uganda, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for persecuted Christians across the globe,” Tayebwa said.
The Uganda Martyrs were beatified in 1920, 34 years after their martyrdom at Namugongo, and canonized in 1964, 44 years later.
The time between their beatification and canonization tested the faith of believers, particularly those entrusted with promoting devotion to the martyrs and praying for miracles through their intercession.
Then, unexpectedly, Pope John XXIII, who served from 28th October 1958 to 3rd June 1963, reopened the file of the beatified martyrs in 1958. Within six years, under his successor Pope Paul VI, the martyrs were canonized.
Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to visit Africa south of the Sahara, a visit he made to Uganda from 31st July to 2nd August 1969.
The timing of the Uganda Martyrs’ canonization was divinely chosen, coinciding with the Vatican II Council and the period when many African nations were gaining independence.
