KASESE. The Diocese of Kasese will lead the 2026 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Martyrs Shrines. ,according to the Bishop Francis Kibira.
The Diocese of Kasese has announced that it requires more than Shs 4 billion to organize the 2026 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, set for June 3, 2026.
Bishop Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira made the announcement during a fundraising dinner at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, officially launching the diocese’s resource mobilization drive.
The 2026 event will be the first time in two decades that Kasese Diocese leads the national celebrations, selected by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to organize the prestigious annual commemoration.
The theme for the 2026 celebrations is “Christ is alive in you and me.”
Bishop Kibira stressed the urgency of mobilizing funds, citing the extensive logistical, infrastructural, and organizational responsibilities involved in hosting the national event.
“We are humbled to once again lead the nation in commemorating the Uganda Martyrs. This opportunity strengthens our call for unity, continuous prayer, and peace across our country,” he said.
He also highlighted a partnership with a Christian group from the Democratic Republic of Congo as a symbol of regional solidarity.
Early contributions have begun flowing in. Centenary Bank Managing Director Fabian Kasi presented Shs70 million on behalf of the institution and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the celebrations, noting that more activities are planned to bolster preparations.
Bishop Kibira appealed to corporate bodies, faith-based organizations, and individual well-wishers to support the fundraising drive, emphasizing that the success of the 2026 celebrations depends heavily on collective generosity.
Uganda Martyrs Day is one of the country’s most significant religious events, drawing millions of pilgrims from Uganda, the East African region, and beyond.