Kampala: Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, Senior Presidential Advisor in the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has delivered a heartfelt message to the nation as Uganda commemorates Martyrs Day.

In her address, she honoured the memory of the 23 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith, urging Ugandans to draw inspiration from their unwavering devotion and courage.

“Dear fellow Ugandans,” began Hadijah, “as we commemorate the martyrdom of the 23 brave souls who gave their lives for the sake of their faith, this day holds a special place in our hearts and reminds us of the incredible sacrifices that our ancestors made for the sake of Christianity.”

She emphasized the profound trials faced by the martyrs, whose faith remained unshaken even in the face of persecution and death. Hadijah called upon Ugandans to reflect on the strength that faith provides during challenging times, encouraging them to use it as a guiding force in their lives.

“In the face of unimaginable trials and tribulations, the martyrs never wavered in their devotion to God,” Hadijah continued. “Their faith was unshakable, even in the face of persecution and death. This is a testament to the power of faith and the strength it can give us in the most challenging of times.”

Hadijah drew parallels between the struggles of the martyrs and the difficulties faced by Ugandans today. She urged the nation to find strength and inspiration in the martyrs’ example, reminding them that faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life that can guide them through dark times.

“Let us also remember the message of love and forgiveness that the martyrs embodied,” Hadijah said. “In the face of hatred and violence, they chose to forgive their oppressors, just as Jesus did on the cross. Their message of love and forgiveness is just as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago.”

As Uganda marked this significant day, Hadijah called for a renewed commitment to faith and the values of love, peace, and forgiveness. She encouraged all Ugandans to be ambassadors of these values in their communities, following in the footsteps of the martyrs.

“On this Uganda Martyrs Day, let us renew our commitment to our faith and follow in the footsteps of those who came before us,” she urged. “Let us strive to be ambassadors of love, peace, and forgiveness in our communities, just as the martyrs were. May their courage and devotion continue to inspire us to be better individuals and to build a better nation.”

In conclusion, Hajat Namyalo Hadijah expressed her hope that the spirit of the martyrs would live on in all Ugandans, guiding them in their journey of faith. She reminded the nation to honour the martyrs’ memory by living lives marked by the same unwavering faith and courage.

“Happy Uganda Martyrs Day to all my fellow Ugandans. God bless.”

The commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day is an event held annually on 3 June in memory of a group of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts to Christianity in the historical kingdom of Buganda.

The converts were executed on the orders of the Kabaka (King) Mwanga between 31 January 1885 and 27 January 1887.