Compiled by Catherine Male
In anticipation of the official Martyrs’ Day celebrations on June 3, 2025, the Church of Uganda dedicated May 24, 2025 as a special day for children to honour and learn about the Uganda Martyrs.
Themed Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good, the celebrations commenced with hundreds of children from across the provinces marching around Namugongo, led by lively band music that added a vibrant atmosphere to the event. Although the procession temporarily affected traffic flow in the area, road users courteously gave way, allowing the children to proceed with their celebrations before converging at the church site for a range of other activities.
According to Rev Richard Rukundo, the Church organised the event to ensure that the message of the Martyrs is clearly and meaningfully communicated to the children, in an environment less crowded and distracting than the main celebrations on the official day.
Rev Rukundo said: “The Uganda Martyrs were young, just like these children, and we want our children to grow up knowing how strong they were and how deeply they loved God, despite the challenges they faced.”
The day was marked by entertainment, joy, and moments of reflection. Children from Kazo Archdeaconry performed a play that vividly brought the story of the Martyrs to life, helping their peers better understand the events and appreciate the unwavering faith demonstrated by the young Christians.
The Rt Rev Godfrey Loum, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Church of Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, praised the parents and schools that facilitated the participation of their children. He emphasised that the children’s march was just the beginning of a series of events leading up to Martyrs’ Day on 3rd June 2025. Other planned activities include a youth conference, a pilgrimage, and a mission week at Namugongo.
