Namirembe bishop Banja calls for radical conversion

Namirembe Anglican Diocese bishop Moses Banja has expressed concern over the growing culture of hatred, intolerance and violence, which he says has caused a lot of anxiety and uncertainty about the future of the country. 

Banja sounds even more perplexed as he condemns those who torture and inflict physical and mental suffering on fellow Ugandans without any feeling of remorse. 

He has likened such people to Mukajanga (Kabaka Mwanga’s chief executioner), who butchered and burnt the Uganda Martyrs to death without mercy.

He has appealed to all those who mistreat, oppress and sometimes kill others to repent and walk in the path of God’s righteousness.

“It is unfortunate that today we have people who behave like Mukajanga. How can you torture your fellow human being, and you see them bleeding, crying and pleading for mercy, but you remain insensitive and just laugh at them as you enjoy your drink! We need to repent. All these things that make us mistreat our brethren, that is power, wealth and domination, are temporal, and we shall leave them here. Let’s focus on the things of heaven, which are everlasting,” Banja said.

He was delivering his homily during the Eucharistic Service for the commemoration of the martyrdom of Musa Mukasa, at Mulungu Landing Site, Munyonyo, in Kampala's Makindye division on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Musa Mukasa is one of the 23 Anglican Martyrs of Uganda, who were killed on the orders of King Mwanga of Buganda, between 1885 and 1887, after refusing to renounce the Christian faith they had embraced.

Bishop Moses Banja delivers his homily during the Eucharistic Service for the commemoration of the martyrdom of Musa Mukasa at Mulungu Landing Site, Munyonyo, in Makindye Division on Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Musa Mukasa was speared to death by King Mwanga himself at Mulungu Landing Site on May 25, 1886. His remains were reportedly consumed by wild animals and vultures.

In his latter remarks, Banja asked the Anglican Christian faithful to emulate the deep faith and Christian commitment Musa Mukasa by making the highly challenging but eternally rewarding preferential option for Christian salvation.

“Musa Mukasa was a favourite page in the palace of King Mwanga because of his good manners. He had many privileges at his disposal. But he chose to leave behind all the good things and pleasures and followed Christ. His life and examples inspire us to leave our old ways and follow Jesus, the supreme king and saviour, who gives everlasting life, happiness and victory,” Banja said.

At the conclusion of Banja’s homily, a number of youthful Christians got saved and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

The celebration was organized by the Christians of Mengo Archdeaconry. The Eucharistic Service was beautifully animated by the competent choir from Anglican Martyrs Church Katwe.

Celebrations for the commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs will be concluded at Uganda Martyrs Anglican Shrine and Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo on Jun 3, 2025.