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URN The Archbishop Emeritus of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, has called upon Ugandans to seek divine intervention for peaceful elections in 2026. Orombi made the remarks on Monday while preaching to thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Anglican Mar
URN
The Archbishop Emeritus of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, has called upon Ugandans to seek divine intervention for peaceful elections in 2026.
Orombi made the remarks on Monday while preaching to thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo to commemorate Uganda Martyrs’ Day.
Bishop Orombi, who was the main preacher, acknowledged widespread public anxiety over the next general elections, warning that fear and speculation about violence were mounting.
He, however, reminded the faithful that the Church in Uganda was founded on the blood of the martyrs and urged them to emulate their courage through fervent prayer and unwavering faith.
“We must not be afraid of the future. The martyrs laid down their lives for the faith, and we too must be willing to sacrifice and trust in Christ,” Orombi said. He called on Christians to live as true witnesses of Christ, not only on Martyrs’ Day or Sundays, but in their daily conduct.
He also urged political leaders and believers alike to shun corruption and worldly influences in favor of godly obedience. Orombi further emphasized love and compassion for all, especially for the marginalized, unemployed, and the sick.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, commended the Northern Uganda Cluster for constructing a perimeter wall around the Namugongo site as part of their souvenir project. He warned that Church land across the country is under increasing threat from encroachers and land grabbers.
Kaziimba cited ongoing disputes at Namugongo and Bbira Vocational Institute as examples, noting that the Church, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, has initiated a nationwide land titling campaign to safeguard its property.
The Archbishop also expressed concern about the growing use of drugs and other harmful substances among youth, saying the crisis contributes to mental health issues, crime, and family breakdown.
He called for collective responsibility from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the wider community to counter the trend with spiritually rooted interventions and strengthened family systems.
Bishop Godfrey Luwum, chairperson of the organizing committee from the Northern Cluster, praised the government for supporting this year’s celebrations with 2 billion shillings, which he said contributed to their success.
He described the Namugongo Anglican site as a world-class pilgrimage center that continues to draw thousands of religious tourists each year.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who attended the event alongside First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, hailed the martyrs for introducing new spiritual dimensions to Ugandan society. He condemned King Mwanga’s decision to execute the martyrs and urged Ugandans not to let religious differences divide them, advocating instead for unity under the banner of Pan-Africanism.
The president confirmed that the government will make Martyrs’ Day part of the national budget every financial year, with both the Church of Uganda and the Catholic Church each receiving 2 billion shillings in support.
The Muslim community also received 200 million shillings for their martyrdom commemorations. This year’s Anglican Martyrs’ Day celebrations were spearheaded by six dioceses from Northern Uganda, comprising the organizing Northern Cluster.