New Virgin Mary Grotto opens as faithful mark unusual Martyrs Day in Kamuli

Kamuli, Uganda: Kamuli District took advantage of the decentralized Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations to commission a modern Virgin Mary Grotto at Kamuli Catholic Parish, constructed by the family of businessman and Richmond Hotels CEO Christopher Kalema.

The grotto was officially handed over during Martyrs Day activities organized under the Jinja Catholic Diocese as Catholics across the country marked the annual celebration from their respective parishes instead of travelling to Namugongo.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Kalema described the Ebola-related restrictions as a blessing in disguise that had strengthened local faith and commitment.

“This Martyrs Day, Ebola has given us God’s anointment to hand over a Grotto we promised during the Martyrs Day animation by Jinja Catholic Diocese. It is a blessing in disguise and a renewal of our commitment as a family and local Christians to build, strengthen our faith and grow service,” Kalema said.

Kamuli Catholic Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ben Kyumakiyaka Wakabi said the restrictions had helped Christians rediscover local devotion and appreciate the contribution of Uganda’s martyrs.

He noted that the decentralized celebrations had enabled believers to focus more on faith formation within their own communities.

“Ebola has given believers the opportunity to rediscover local commitment, grow their faith and recognize our homegrown martyrs, including Gonzaga Gonza from Kaliro District and Matia Mulumba from Maguye,” Fr. Wakabi said.

The priest also challenged political leaders and public servants to emulate the sacrifice, integrity and commitment demonstrated by the Uganda Martyrs. “As you hold the Bible while taking the oath, follow it. Be good Christians as you serve your country, just as the Martyrs sacrificed for their faith,” he said.

Pilgrims Reflect on Missing Namugongo Experience

While many faithful welcomed the opportunity to celebrate from home, some long-time pilgrims reflected on what was lost without the traditional pilgrimage to Namugongo.

Lawrence Buteraba, a 76-year-old retired medical officer who has attended Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo more than 20 times, said he would miss the fellowship and international interactions that characterize the annual event.

“For 20 times I have been to Namugongo. We shall miss the international Christian fellowship, interaction and oneness. We could meet Christian pilgrims from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Kenya and many other countries and share in faith together,” Buteraba said.

Uganda Martyrs Day is commemorated annually on June 3 at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Wakiso District in honour of the Christian converts who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.

However, this year’s national celebrations were cancelled as part of government measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, prompting dioceses and parishes across the country to organize localized commemorations.

Church leaders used the occasion to encourage Christians to remain steadfast in faith, observe public health guidelines and continue praying for the nation during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.