President Museveni has contributed Shs2b towards the organisation of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations due on June 3 at Namugongo.
This was revealed on Thursday by the Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ms Justine Kasule Lumumba, during a meeting for the Organising Committee at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine at Namugongo.
Jinja Catholic Diocese is organising this year’s celebrations.
Ms Lumumba, who is the head of the finance committee for the celebrations, said: “We are pleased to announce the contribution of Shs2 billion from His Excellency, the President of Uganda, towards the organisation of 2023 Martyrs Day Contribution.”
She said money should come by end of next week.
The diocese of Jinja has budgeted Shs2.2 billion to make the event a success. The celebrations will be held under the theme “Lord increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
The annual event pays homage to the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs, who were executed for their faith on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda between 1885 and 1887.
Several individuals and organisations have contributed funds towards the day, among them Centenary Bank which raised Shs35m.
The day’s organizing committee is composed of Minister Lumumba as patron and chairperson Finance, Mr Paul Baliraine as the chairperson and will be deputized by Fr Paul Musana.
Other members on the committee include Fr Paul Okello Wandera who was chosen as secretary and coordinator with Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), deputized by Mr Edward Mwondha while Fr Gerald Muto will be the treasurer.
Mr Clement William Okello is the vice chairperson Finance committee.
Fr Pual Okello Wandera, the Jinja Diocesan Chancellor, says they are determined to stage a memorable Uganda Martyr’s day celebration for all attendees.
Fr Wandera said that as per their schedule, the Jinja Catholic Diocese anticipates foot pilgrims to converge at the cathedral from May 25th to 27th. “Subsequently, on May 28th, they will embark on a three-day pilgrimage covering approximately 80 kilometers to Namugongo.