Museveni talks Pan-Africanism at Uganda Martyrs’ 140th commemoration

President Yoweri Museveni who was the chief guest during the Uganda Martyrs Day commemoration at the Anglican site on June 3 emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Ugandans.

The Head of State urged citizens to look beyond denominational and ethnic differences. He highlighted the benefits of Pan-Africanism, encouraging citizens to expand their businesses within Africa to increase markets for exports and imports.

This approach, he noted, would help Uganda economically and foster a sense of unity and cooperation.

Museveni stressed that unity is key to national development and warned against sectarianism, stating that leaders or individuals engaging in divisive practices should be held accountable.

The President reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, welcoming Africans from other countries to live and work in Uganda, provided they respect the laws and contribute positively to society.

Additionally, the 80 year old President encouraged citizens to be patriotic, love Uganda, and embrace socio-economic transformation through wealth creation.

To the believers, he urged them to be good Samaritans, citing the parable in the Book of Luke 10:30-35, and cautioned against religious divisions, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among all faiths.

The government, he said, has supported the two denominations (Anglican and Catholic) with shs4b to help them organise the annual Uganda Martyrs celebrations. The Muslim was given shs200m.

Interestingly, he announced that the government would allocate shs4.2b each financial year to help in organising Martyrs Day.

The Most Rev. Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kaziimba’s message during the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebration emphasized unity, faith, and civic responsibility.

He applauded all the clusters that contributed in organizing the Uganda Martyrs’ Day for their efforts, saying it is a testament to the power of faith and mission. The clusters are from Lango Diocese, West Lango Diocese, Madi, West Nile, Nebbi and Kitgum Dioceses.

Archbishop Kaziimba expressed gratitude for the government’s support in developing community churches and infrastructure, highlighting the shs10.7 billion allocated for ongoing projects.

One notable project is a 51-room hotel designed to host pilgrims, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing facilities for religious gatherings.

Citing Proverbs 18:18, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged eligible voters to participate in the 2026 elections, emphasizing the importance of responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence.

Kaziimba urged the security officers to be good stewards, reminding them that God will hold them accountable for their actions. This message underscored the need for integrity and moral responsibility in both personal and public life.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Uganda’s Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to the President for his support in the recovery process of the northern region from conflicts.

As chairperson of the National Organizing Committee for the Uganda Martyrs’ Day, Dr. Aceng emphasized the crucial role churches have played in this journey.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education, health, and economic empowerment, highlighting the importance of sustained support for spiritual revival, transformation of lives, and improved livelihood.

Minister Dr. Aceng, also Lira City women MP, emphasized the need for peace, especially with the 2026 elections approaching and urged Christians to use the time of Uganda martyrs commemoration to revive their faith and preach peace and unity.

Dr. Aceng also highlighted areas that require attention in Namugongo such as the completion of the installation of a perimeter fence, ensuring the holy water point is clean and accessible for pilgrims.

Minister of State for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka thanked the President for his directive in 2014 to improve infrastructure around tourism sites, which has attracted tourists from Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania.