With just under three weeks remaining until the Novena, preparations for this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine are already in high gear.
This year’s celebrations carry added significance as the parish marks its 10th anniversary alongside its second Parish Day, commemorated on June 3 in line with the Archdiocesan calendar.
On 3rd June in previous years, the faithful will gather for a solemn Holy Mass in the Shrine Gardens, followed by a range of organised activities, including a ceremonial march past to greet the Parish Priest, as well as cultural performances featuring music and dance. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
The 2026 celebrations are further enriched by the parish’s 10th anniversary milestone. While the main anniversary commemorations are scheduled for October, the June 3 celebrations will serve as an important moment to bring together parishioners, pilgrims, and friends of Munyonyo in thanksgiving and celebration of the Holy Uganda Martyrs.
In the lead-up to the main feast, the organising committee has outlined a full programme of spiritual activities, beginning with the annual Uganda Martyrs Novena, which will run from May 25 to June 2. The nine-day novena will feature daily prayers and inspirational talks, each day concluding with Holy Mass. In line with tradition, each day will be led by a designated speaker and presiding priest.
Various devotional groups, choirs, and organisations, including the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force, are already preparing to actively participate in the upcoming activities.
The novena will officially commence on Monday, May 25, at 5:00 PM. A key highlight will be the Annual Pilgrimage of Catechists on May 26, held in remembrance of the martyrdom of Saint Andrew Kaggwa, which took place at Munyonyo.
The novena will conclude on June 2 with the much-anticipated Martyrs Night Vigil. This overnight will include teachings, praise and worship sessions, fireworks displays, and the celebration of Holy Mass. This year’s vigil will feature Fr. Martin Ssemanda and Fr. Raymond Kalanzi, with Fr. Ssemanda delivering the evening Mass and talk, while Fr. Kalanzi will lead the faithful through the night until the concluding Mass at 4:00 AM.
The celebrations will culminate on Wednesday, June 3, with a Solemn Mass at 11:00 AM to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day. The Mass will be presided over by Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu and will include the administration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion to several children, marking a significant moment in their faith journey.
During the liturgical celebrations, Parish Day will include an exciting programme of offertory presentations by the Small Christian Communities, also known as Bubondo.
After Mass, there will be a march by Bubondo, music by the Bantu Band, and drama performances, among other activities.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Male, has extended an open invitation to all parishioners, pilgrims, and well-wishers to participate in the full programme, from the novena and night vigil to the main June 3 celebrations, describing it as a spiritually enriching experience rooted in faith, remembrance, and community.
