The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu has called on Ugandans to embrace unity across tribal, religious, and political divides. He is also urging Parliament to prioritize the establishment of a national health insurance scheme.
Delivering his sermon during the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, Archbishop Kazimba said the sacrifices of the Uganda Martyrs offer a powerful lesson on reconciliation and national cohesion. Drawing from Ephesians 2:14-17, the Archbishop said Christ’s death on the cross destroyed barriers that divided people and created a new humanity founded on peace.
“The death of Christ killed that hostility. The cross killed the enmity. The death of Jesus brought the unity of the body of Christ,” he said. He noted that the Uganda Martyrs embodied this message of unity, pointing out that both Anglican and Catholic martyrs died together at Namugongo and that their remains were buried side by side.
“They remained united even in fire,” he said. “They broke the barrier of religion, tribe, and region. They teach us that despite our differences, we can stand together for what is right.” The Archbishop warned against tribalism, discrimination, and regional divisions, saying such tendencies continue to deny many Ugandans opportunities despite their qualifications.
“There are some people who may not get jobs because they belong to a different tribe or region. The martyrs should help us learn to value everyone’s ability. The spirit of unity should be built to promote the Uganda we need,” he said.
Kazimba used the occasion to appeal for the creation of a national health insurance system, arguing that the Ebola outbreak had once again exposed vulnerabilities in Uganda’s healthcare system. While commending the Ministry of Health and health workers for their response to the outbreak, he said access to quality healthcare remained beyond the reach of many citizens.
Although Parliament passed the National Health Insurance Bill in March 2021 after years of debate, the Bill was not assented to by President Yoweri Museveni. It was returned for further consultations after concerns were raised by employers, labour unions, civil society groups, and some government officials about financing and implementation.
Since then, the government has been working on a revised version. As of 2025, officials indicated the Bill remained under consideration and had not yet become law.
Kazimba recognized the contribution of the government for supporting the commemoration, revealing that President Yoweri Museveni’s administration had contributed Shillings two billion towards preparations, while Uganda Christian University provided one billion Shillings. “I must appreciate the Government of Uganda, the President of Uganda, and the support they have sent us to this day,” he said.
Reflecting on the witness of the martyrs, the Archbishop said their courage in the face of persecution remains relevant to a nation confronting modern challenges, including disease outbreaks, social divisions, and economic hardships.
“As we celebrate these martyrs, let us emulate their spirit of unity. Let us build our nation on the foundation of prayer, work, and unity in Christ so that we heal our land,” he said.
Representing the government as the chief guest, Gen. Katumba Wamala, the designated Minister of Public Service, echoed the Archbishop’s call for unity and challenged Ugandans to emulate the selflessness of the martyrs. He cited resistance by some citizens to surrender small portions of land for road expansion projects, even when such projects are intended to benefit entire communities.
Katumba urged Ugandans to put aside political, religious, and other differences and focus on national development now that the election season has passed. “Let’s break those walls- the walls of political differences, the walls of religious differences, and the artificial barriers that stop us from working together as a nation,” he said. “Now it is time to work. Let us all wake up and work not only for ourselves but also for our country.”
The former Works and Transport minister also called for a more practical fight against corruption, saying the vice continues to deprive citizens of the benefits of public resources. “Let’s stop giving the fight against corruption lip service. We only talk about it. Let us act where action is required so that resources meant to improve the lives of our people are put to good use,” he said.
Both leaders called for dialogue, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to national unity, saying Uganda’s future depends on citizens working together despite their political, ethnic, and religious differences. This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Christ Our Peace: Anchored in Christ for Unity Amidst Hostility”, were conducted virtually following restrictions imposed to contain the Ebola outbreak.
The virtual commemoration marked 141 years since the execution of 45 Ugandan Martyrs (23 Anglican and 22 Catholic faithful), whose steadfast faith continues to inspire millions of Christians across Uganda and beyond-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
