Lugazi Catholic Diocese Receives UGX 15million Ahead of Martyrs Day 2025

As Uganda prepares to commemorate Martyrs Day on June 3, 2025, MTN Uganda has extended support to Lugazi Catholic Diocese—the lead organizer for this year’s celebrations—by donating UGX 15 million, 500 reflector jackets, and water to aid pilgrims walking to Namugongo. 

The donation was officially handed over today, May 15, 2025, at the diocesan offices in Lugazi Municipality. Ronald Richard Dhamulira, MTN's Regional Business Manager, expressed the telecom giant’s commitment to supporting national religious events.

“We are happy to contribute towards Martyrs Day 2025. MTN will continue supporting other regions and churches as part of our commitment to this national celebration,” he said. Dhamulira also noted that MTN has provided a MoMoPay code to help the diocese collect offerings and donations digitally, encouraging the use of mobile money to improve transparency and ease of access.

“The platform will also help track pilgrims and facilitate better organization,” he added. Reverend Father Kayondo Richard, Vicar of Mary Queen of Peace Cathedral in Lugazi, received the donation on behalf of Bishop Christopher Kakooza. He expressed gratitude to MTN for what he described as timely and essential support.

“This year’s theme is drawn from Mark 10:51: ‘Master, I want to see again.’ We are pilgrims of hope,” Fr. Kayondo said. He emphasized the high cost of organizing Martyrs Day, noting that various committees had already been set up to handle the preparations.

“We expect over 25,000 foot pilgrims. Support like this is critical, and we still welcome more assistance,” he said. Fr. Kayondo also announced that pilgrims from Lugazi Diocese will begin their journey on June 1 at 5:00 a.m. and are expected to reach Namugongo by 4:00 p.m. the same day.

Key convergence points include Mbiko, Nyenga, and Naminya, with an overnight stay planned in Lugazi. The next stop will be in Nagalama, where more pilgrims from Nkokojeru and surrounding islands are expected to join. The final gathering point will be at Nsonde Parish before proceeding to Namugongo. He noted that while the pilgrimage budget varies between dioceses, it remains a significant undertaking that requires continued community and corporate support.