In recognition of the spiritual significance and widespread participation of Ugandans from all religious denominations, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today ordered that government funding for Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget each year.
“This year, the government gave Shs 200 million to Muslims, Shs 2 billion to Protestants, and Shs 2 billion to Catholics for this occasion,” he said.
“Since many Ugandans participate, I have instructed the government to include this contribution in the government budget each year.”
During the commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day, President Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Sports and Education Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, spoke to thousands of Christians at the Namugongo Anglican site.
The Northern Uganda Cluster organized the festivities, which had as their theme “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9–10).
The President underlined the government’s ongoing commitment to funding religious facilities.
As everyone is aware, the government invested billions of dollars to update the facilities at the Protestant and Catholic locations. I’ve heard that Mwanga also killed some Muslim followers, so we’ll support them when they’re ready. “God bless you all,” he said.
Historical analysis:
In his historical analysis of the introduction of new religions to Uganda, President Museveni traced the introduction of Islam by Ahmad bin Ibrahim in 1841, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879.
He pointed out that these faiths enhanced Uganda’s native religious traditions by providing fresh perspectives on the divine.
The President declared, “Mwanga was wrong to try to kill this new perspective about the supernatural realm.”
“It is admirable that young boys and some girls were willing to sacrifice their lives for the right to practice their religion,” he remarked.
The President praised this spirit of selflessness as well.
“Everyone should be aware of the fact that Africans in this region are capable of making sacrifices for the just causes they support,” he said.
He also made a connection between this historical sacrifice and current conflicts by bringing up the Kikandwa resistance movement against Bazilio Okello in 1981.
Their leader, Luttamaguzi Edidian, instructed them to refrain from mourning, saying, “Temulajana.”
President Museveni reaffirmed the value of religious liberty and the Ugandan state’s secular nature.
As long as people do not violate the law, we support their right to freedom of religion and oppose forcing them to hold certain beliefs. We also think that government matters, which apply to all Ugandan citizens and even non-citizens, should be kept apart from denominational issues,” he continued.
He cited the Bible to back up this idea.
In Mark 12:17, Jesus said, “Give unto God what is God’s and unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.”
Additionally, the President recalled to Ugandans the historical goals of the National Resistance Movement: fostering prosperity, maintaining continental security, and utilizing African unity for reciprocal advancement.
Who will purchase their goods and services if all adults start making money? Sectarian and tribal markets are insufficient. Uganda’s domestic market is superior, which is why our first tenet is: Patriotism: love Uganda, as it is essential to your success,” he said.
However, even the market in Uganda is too small. Are you familiar with East Africa? Are you familiar with Africa? They are able to purchase your excess. For this reason, we love Africa and embrace pan-Africanism.
He added democracy and social-economic transformation as fundamental tenets.
President Museveni advised believers to keep their denominational allegiance separate from politics.
“Our well-being on Earth is the focus of politics. “Religious leaders can better explain religion and denominations, which are about spirituality on Earth and life after,” he said.
In order to emphasize religious tolerance and service, he cited the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:30–35, drawing on his prior experience as President of the Scripture Union (1965–1966).
While the injured man was being passed by his fellow Jews, who were religious leaders, the Samaritan helped him. Jesus gave the Samaritan praise. He declared, “We will be able to identify them by their fruits.”
He cited page 207 of the Church of Uganda Prayer Book.
“Let your light shine so brightly before men that they will see your good deeds and give thanks to your heavenly father.”
