President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will preside over this year’s national celebration of St Gonzaga Gonza Day at Bugonza Martyrs’ Shrine, Kaliro District, on 6 July, organisers confirmed.
Haji Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, said the President will attend as “chief pilgrim” at the annual commemoration of the Busoga‑born Catholic martyr. “His Excellency is honoured to join the faithful in remembering Gonzaga Gonza’s sacrifice and renewing our commitment to religious freedom,” Kirunda told reporters, adding that no COVID‑19 tests will be required for pilgrims.
The Jinja Catholic Diocese is coordinating the liturgy. Fr Gerald Mutto, the diocesan chancellor and chair of the organising committee, said preparations are “in high gear” to handle thousands of worshippers expected from across Uganda. “We assure pilgrims of a well‑organised celebration and invite them to pray for peace in the nation,” he said.
St Gonzaga Gonza (1862 – 27 May 1886) was the sixth Uganda Martyr to be executed under King Mwanga II after refusing to renounce his Catholic faith. He is venerated as the patron of prisoners, travellers and the oppressed.