A 500-member choir will animate Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations led by Kasese Diocese, with rehearsals underway for June 3 in Namugongo.
A 500-strong choir is set to fill Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations with music and movement, as Catholic preparations gather pace ahead of June 3.
This year, the Catholic Diocese of Kasese has been appointed by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to lead the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of 45 young Christian converts between 1885 and 1887, ordered by the then king of Buganda, Mwanga.. Misryoum reports that the diocese last led the celebrations in 2005, during the tenure of Bishop Egidio Nkaijanabwo, who is now 90.
With a month to go, the choir is already in intensive rehearsal. Members, including priests, sisters, and lay Christians, are drawn from all 13 parishes in Kasese Diocese and two pastoral centres, while the group also includes performers from Kampala and DR Congo.
The choir will feature singers alongside dancers and instrumentalists, with preparations aimed at reaching a wide range of pilgrims through songs in multiple languages.. Rehearsals include hymns in Lhukonzo, English, Luganda, Swahili, Latin, Runyoro-Rutooro, Ateso, Runyankore, Ruhiga, Acholi, and Kinyarwanda.
Insight: The multilingual approach matters because Uganda Martyrs Day brings together pilgrims from different regions, and music often sets the tone for shared participation.
Fr Vincent Muhindo, chairman of the Liturgy Committee, said the choir’s selection of simple hymns in local and international languages is meant to connect with the millions expected in Namugongo. He added that the goal is to sing in a way that draws people into a pilgrimage mood.
On the day of the celebrations, Misryoum reports that preaching will be delivered in different languages depending on region. This year’s theme is “Christ is alive in you and me.”
In parallel, foot pilgrims from Kasese Diocese are expected to set off collectively from Kasese district on May 20, with plans to arrive in Namugongo on May 31 so they can settle early.
Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kule, chairing the diocesan organising committee, thanked the government for supporting preparations to lead the event. He also appealed to faith-based institutions and well-wishers for continued help so the diocese can meet its budget.
Insight: As the event nears, logistical and spiritual readiness will likely determine how smoothly pilgrims experience the day, from arrival plans to worship and community singing.