President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised full government support to upgrade Uganda’s martyrs’ birthplaces—starting with Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District—into nationally recognised pilgrimage and religious‑tourism sites.
“Developing this site here will be done,” the President told thousands of pilgrims gathered for the national St Gonzaga Gonza Day celebration. “I discussed with the priests what shall be done here at Bugonza and also at Matia Mulumba’s place at Kyebando and Bishop Hannington’s at Kyando.”
Major pledges for Jinja Diocese
Museveni announced Shs 950 million for the completion of the Minor Seminary in Iganga, Shs 300 million for a diocesan priests’ SACCO, and another Shs 300 million to finish a commercial building in Kamuli. He also committed full state funding to complete the Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja, noting that “we gave them Shs 2 billion to lead Namugongo Day two years ago, and they saved part of it to start this hospital.”
The President added that Bugonza and Kyebando sites will appear in the 2026/27 national budget and gifted the diocese a tractor to boost agricultural production.
Linking faith to wealth creation
Museveni urged Christians to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM): “Every parish receives Shs 100 million each year. In five years that will reach Shs 500 million.” He warned parish committees to guard the funds and called on congregants to inspect “what’s happening with your money.”
Bishop Wamika backs economic drive
In a message read by diocesan chancellor Fr Gerald Muto, Bishop Charles Martin Wamika said religious leaders “cannot continue preaching to impoverished followers,” adding that wealth‑creation campaigns are “the responsibility of all of us, political and religious, to change the mindset of our people.”
Museveni promised extra medical support for the ailing bishop, saying, “I’m very sorry that the bishop is sick and we are going to do everything possible to support him.”
National significance of martyrs’ sites
The President reminded worshippers that his government made 3 June a public holiday to honour all martyrs and that Uganda also salutes national heroes on 9 June. “This shows you the nature of the people of Uganda,” he said.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga congratulated Museveni on his recent NRM nomination and pressed for budget allocations to mark martyrs’ days at their original homes.
Who was St Gonzaga Gonza?
Gonza, born in Busoga around 1862 and baptised on 17 November 1885, was speared to death at Namugongo on 27 May 1886 after dragging chains that cut into his legs. He is revered as the patron of prisoners, travellers, the ill‑treated, and those in trouble.
