“Finish the Good Work”: Archbishop Hands UCU the Mantle for 2027 Martyrs’ Day, Lauds Renovations
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has officially received the completed renovation and construction projects undertaken by Uganda Christian University (UCU) as lead organizer of the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ Day Celebrations for the Anglican Community.
Commending the University administration for an excellent job done, the Archbishop further authorized UCU’s request to serve as lead organizer of the 2027 celebrations, a green light that follows the Government of Uganda’s directive suspending the traditional crowd-pulling Martyrs’ Day pilgrimages this year, in a bid to curb the spread of Ebola.
“Continue working and Finish the good work you have started,” said Archbishop Kaziimba in response to UCU’s request, presented by the Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee, Rev. Prof. John M. Kitayimbwa.
“It within my prerogative as the Archbishop and Chancellor of the University, so take it on…”
Accompanied by other dignitaries, His Grace inspected a series of newly delivered works at the Anglican Martyrs’ Site, Namugongo: state-of-the-art toilet facilities, paved and gravelled walkways, and a beautified amphitheatre, alongside a 50,000-litre solar-powered water tank, street lighting, and improved signage across the site.
Addressing the wider Church, the Archbishop urged Anglicans countrywide to mark June 3rd, 2026 not merely as a public holiday but as a day of worship. He, however, cautioned all Christians to observe the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health at their respective places of worship, noting that public health and safety remain a shared responsibility.
In honour of UCU’s petition for a “scientific worship service” at Namugongo, the Archbishop hinted at the possibility of a light congregation at the site, pending further guidance from the Office of the President.
“We have extremely hard with the National organizing Committee to ensure that we are ready, if it was not for Ebola [outbreak],” said the Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, Chairperson of the UCU Governing Council and Bishop of Lango Diocese.
“We are anticipating that we will have a virtual service so that people can participate wherever they are.”
The Co-Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee and UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, David Mugawe, noted that UCU’s 2026 preparations focused on 3 pillars: Safety and Security; Water and Sanitation; and beautification.
Vice Chancellor of UCU, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, welcomed the Archbishop’s approval for the University to spearhead the 2027 celebrations.
“Given the interruptions we have had due to the Ebola outbreak, the Archbishop has graciously allowed us to continue and complete all the ongoing works, which were not yet finished,” Prof. Mushengyezi said, pledging the unveiling of even more projects ahead of the 2027 celebrations.
He further appealed to the Anglican Church leadership and the Martyrs’ Site administration to consider a sustainable maintenance strategy that would ensure these infrastructural developments continue to serve museum visitors for years to come, reflecting God-honouring excellence.
This year’s celebrations are running under the theme: “Christ Our Peace: Breaking the Walls, Healing the Nations” — Ephesians 2:14.
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