The assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Rev. Fr. Achileo Wandera, has called on members of the public to desist from acts of divination, saying such practices contradict the Christian faith and weaken trust in God.
Speaking during this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations at the St. Matia Mulumba Martyrs Shrine in Kyebando, Mayuge District, Fr. Wandera noted that reliance on diviners and fortune tellers has, over time, contributed to hatred, mistrust, and conflict among people who once lived in harmony.
Drawing on historical accounts of the Uganda Martyrs, he referenced narratives surrounding Kabaka Mwanga’s reign, noting that the king was often described as authoritarian and is said to have consulted diviners in decision-making, including actions that led to the persecution and killing of Christians.
Fr. Wandera warned that such practices can result in the loss of innocent lives when decisions are influenced by divisive or harmful counsel.
He further observed that similar practices persist today, arguing that some diviners and fortune tellers spread messages that fuel resentment and revenge rather than promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Fr. Wandera urged the public to seek guidance from God in both peaceful and difficult times, emphasizing that faith in God alone fosters lasting peace. He added that a collective commitment to rejecting divination would reduce social conflict and help build a more harmonious society.
The parish priest of St. Matia Mulumba, Fr. John Bosco Idyama, also encouraged the Catholic faithful to emulate the Uganda Martyrs by standing firm in their belief in God regardless of circumstances.
He said that God alone determines the destiny of humanity and should remain the ultimate source of trust and guidance. Fr. Idyama added that biblical teachings consistently show God’s faithfulness to those who trust in Him, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
The Martyrs’ Day celebrations at the shrine attracted an estimated 1,200 congregants from Mayuge District and surrounding areas. Although the site has a 1,000-seater shelter, attendance exceeded capacity, with many pilgrims occupying the surrounding grounds. The large turnout came despite efforts to enforce health and safety guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
Handwashing stations and alcohol-based sanitizers were placed at various points within the shrine, and attendees were encouraged to observe preventive measures. Pilgrims were also seen collecting water from the St. Matia Mulumba well, which many refer to as “holy water,” storing it in bottles and jerrycans to take back to their homes.
According to Fr. Idyama, pilgrims began arriving at the shrine on June 1, 2026, and were provided with daily meals, temperature checks, and handwashing facilities throughout their stay. He added that the first mass was held on June 1, culminating in the Martyrs’ Day celebrations-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
