Church bans expectant mothers, sick from Martyrs Day pilgrimage

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The Church of Uganda (CoU) has barred pregnant women and the sick from trekking to Namugongo for the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day pilgrimage.

The decision was announced by the Archbishop of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, shortly after a briefing from the 2025 Uganda Martyrs organising committee held at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe on Tuesday, April 22.

"The pregnant women and the sick, as communicated by the chairman organising committee, should not walk because we need to protect their lives," Kaziimba said.

Rt. Rev Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese shares a light moment with the Archbishop of Church of Uganda Stephen Samuel Kaziimba shortly after a media briefing at the Church is Uganda provisional offices. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

However, he encouraged men and women who do not fall under these categories to make the pilgrimage to Namugongo and celebrate the faith milestone marked by the Uganda Martyrs.

This year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, scheduled for 3rd June at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, will be animated by the six dioceses that form the Northern Uganda Cluster.

"I want to begin by thanking you all, our beloved Bishops from the Dioceses of Northern Uganda, Lango, West Lango, Madi West Nile, Kitgum, and Nebbi, for your commitment and dedication in preparing for the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations," Kaziimba said.

He also extended appreciation to the national organising committee, led by health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, and to the members of the Provincial Secretariat for their preparations.

"This is not just an event; it is a spiritual pilgrimage. Uganda Martyrs Day reminds us of the power of faith, sacrifice, and unity in Christ. It is a day when we proclaim the Gospel boldly inspired by the legacy of the 45 young men who gave their lives for Christ," he said.

Rt. Rev Wilson Kitara, the Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaka, the Bishop of Madi West Nile Diocese, Rt. Rev Pons Awinjo Ozelle the Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, the Archbishop of church of Uganda Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, Rt. Rev Godfrey Loum the Northern Uganda and Chairperson organizing committee of the 2025 Uganda Marty’s day celebration, Rt. Rev Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev Julius Ceaser Nina Otim, the Bishop of West Lango diocese, and retired Rt Rev Johnson Gakuma posing for a photo shortly after a press briefing. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

He added, "As I have listened to your updates this morning, I am encouraged by the work you have done and the plans that are already in motion. Your collaboration as a cluster is a testimony of the strength and unity within our Church, especially in the Northern region. I commend you for the spirit of teamwork and servant leadership you are showing."

The archbishop officially commissioned the organising committee.

"Let us remember: this is not just a celebration, it is a mission. A mission to call people to repentance, to faith, and to a renewed commitment to Christ. May the Martyrs continue to challenge and shape our witness today," he said.