President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that government funding for Martyrs Day celebrations be included in the national budget annually, acknowledging the spiritual significance and massive participation of Ugandans across all religious denominations.

“This year, the government gave the Catholics Shs2 billion, the Protestants Shs2 billion and the Muslims Shs200 million for this occasion,” he said.

“I have directed the government to make this contribution part of the government budget annually, since many Ugandans participate.”

President Museveni, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Sports and Education, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, made the remarks while addressing thousands of Christians at the Namugongo Anglican site during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.

The celebrations were led by the Northern Uganda Cluster, under the theme: “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good (Galatians 6:9–10)”.

The President emphasized the government’s continued investment in religious infrastructure.

“As you all know, the government spent billions modernizing this infrastructure you see today at both the Catholic and Protestant sites. When the Muslims are ready, we shall also support them because I am told some Muslim followers were also killed by Mwanga. May God bless all of you,” he said.

President Museveni gave a historical reflection on the arrival of new religions in Uganda, tracing Islam’s introduction in 1841 by Ahmad bin Ibrahim, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879.

These religions, he noted, offered new understandings of the divine, complementing Uganda’s indigenous faith traditions.

“It was wrong for Mwanga to try and kill this new perspective about the supernatural realm,” said the President.

“It is good that young boys and some girls, I am told, were ready to give up their lives for freedom of worship,” he said.

The President also saluted this spirit of sacrifice.

“This is what all and sundry should know about Africans of this area: they can sacrifice for the legitimate causes they believe in,” he noted.

President Museveni reiterated the importance of religious freedom and the secular character of the Ugandan state.

“We believe in the freedom of worship and not coercing people to believe in this or that, as long as they do not break the law. We also believe in separating denominational issues from government matters, which are for all citizens and even non-citizens in Uganda,” he added.

He invoked scripture to support this principle.

“Jesus helped us in Mark 12:17: ‘Give unto God what is God’s and unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” he said.

The President also reminded Ugandans of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) historical missions: creating prosperity, ensuring continental security, and leveraging African unity for mutual growth.

“If all adults become wealth-creators, who will buy their products and services? Tribal and sectarian markets are not enough. The national market of Uganda is better, hence our first ideological principle: Patriotism- love Uganda, because you need it for your prosperity,” he said.

“But even Uganda’s market is not big enough. Have you heard of East Africa? Have you heard of Africa? They can buy your surplus. That’s why we embrace Pan-Africanism- love Africa.”

He added Social-Economic Transformation and Democracy as core guiding principles.

President Museveni urged believers to never mix politics with denominational loyalty.

“Politics is about our welfare on Earth. Denominations and religion are about spirituality on Earth and life after, which religious leaders can explain better,” he said.

Drawing on his past experience as President of the Scripture Union (1965–1966), he quoted from Luke 10:30-35, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, to highlight religious tolerance and service.

“The Samaritan helped the injured man while his fellow Jews, who were religious leaders, passed him by. Jesus praised the Samaritan. We shall know them by their fruits,” he said.

He quoted the Church of Uganda Prayer Book, page 207.

“Let your light so shine before men that they see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Lessons from the Bush:

Recalling his days in the liberation struggle, President Museveni shared how religious diversity was harmonized through shared knowledge and practical survival.

“In the bush, I lived with Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, and traditional believers. We united them around science, a bullet kills. Prayers help, but a reed won’t stop a bullet,” he said.

On his part, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, led the main service with a powerful message of resilience, hope, and spiritual recommitment.

“The appeal today is simple: it’s a verdict to stand for Jesus. Those who died here would not regret their sacrifice if they see what Namugongo has become. What was meant for evil, God has turned into a blessing,” he said.

He congratulated the Northern Uganda Cluster for a successful lead and thanked the international pilgrims for their devotion.

“We are celebrating 140 years of God’s faithfulness, mercy, love, and providence. This is not just an event, it’s a powerful reminder of sacrifice, faith, and the Lord’s love,” he noted.

The Archbishop urged Ugandans to take action in addressing social issues, particularly substance abuse and mental health.

“Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other substances are destroying lives. As a Church, we commit to advocating against these vices in schools, communities, and even in Butabika Hospital,” he declared.

He further appealed to the government of Uganda to consider a National Health Insurance Scheme.

“Some may argue it’s financially impossible but where there is a will, there is a way.”

Archbishop Kaziimba also highlighted the Church’s humanitarian role, such as recent aid deliveries to Nakivale Refugee Camp.

“Let us continue these good deeds. Our work is not only spiritual but practical,” he noted.

He applauded the government’s support to the faith sector, especially the sh10.7 billion funding for Phase I construction of the Anglican shrine.

“We thank Your Excellency for supporting faith-based tourism. The shrine has attracted thousands and generated income. The Church remains committed to holistic transformation,” he noted.

Archbishop Kaziimba ended his speech with a strong message of civic duty ahead of the 2026 elections.

“I call upon all Ugandans to support peace, resist the politics of violence, and go out to vote. Let’s be good stewards of this nation,” he added.

The preacher of the day, Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, delivered his sermon from Galatians 6:5, Galatians 6:9–10, and 3 John 11, encouraging believers not to be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. 

“The foundation of the Church in Uganda is based on the sacrifices and the blood of the martyrs,” he affirmed.

The Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum, Bishop of Northern Uganda and Chairperson of the Northern Uganda Cluster, expressed gratitude for being chosen to lead this year’s national celebration.

“We are grateful for the trust placed in us. The Northern Cluster which includes the dioceses of Lango, Kitgum, Nebbi, West Lango, Madi and West Nile has worked together in unity,” he noted.

He emphasized the region’s commitment to growing Uganda’s religious tourism and faith-based programs.

“Our hope is to contribute to the growth of faith in the Anglican Church and to position Namugongo as a global faith destination,” he said.

He also thanked the President for his ongoing support towards Church activities and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Uganda Martyrs Day is a national religious holiday observed every year on June 3rd. It honors the 45 young Christian converts – 22 Catholics and 23

Anglicans who were killed between 1885 and 1887 in the historical kingdom of Buganda (now part of modern-day Uganda).

As the calendar turns to June, a sacred rhythm takes hold across Uganda and neighboring countries. In the quiet early mornings and under the scorching afternoon sun, thousands of men, women, and children make their way on foot many for hundreds of kilometers to Namugongo. 

On the other hand, the church of Uganda also commemorates 140 years of the Uganda Martyrs, this year.

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The Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced Mohammad Lubega to six months’ imprisonment at Luzira Prison after he was found guilty of impersonating the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi, and obtaining money by false pretense from an unsuspecting victim, Joseph Kamugisha.

Lubega, a 35-year-old resident of Rubaga Division, was on April 7, 2025, convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero and handed a six-month custodial sentence at Luzira Prison.

He pleaded guilty to charges of impersonating a public officer and obtaining money by false pretences.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at St. Racheal Church of Uganda in Bulange Zone, Rubaga. After attending a church service, Lubega approached Mr. Paul Kawaga, the head of the laity in Kazo Archdeaconry, and introduced himself as Mr. John Musinguzi, the sitting Commissioner General of URA.

Claiming he was seeking a reliable personal driver, Lubega requested a recommendation. Trusting his identity, Mr. Kawaga introduced Mr. Joseph Kamugisha, a fellow congregant.

Later that day, Lubega contacted Kamugisha and persuaded him to send Shs688,000, purportedly to buy a phone for official duties. He also instructed Kamugisha to report to URA’s Nakawa headquarters the next morning to begin employment.

Kamugisha complied, but upon arrival at the URA offices on January 13, he discovered that he had been deceived.

Efforts to reach Lubega were futile, prompting Kamugisha to file a complaint with the URA Commissioner for Tax Investigations.

Lubega was subsequently tracked down with the help of the Uganda Police Force. Upon arrest, he confessed to the offence and was arraigned in court, where he was convicted on his plea.

In a separate but similar case, another man, Ivan Cyubahiro, was also convicted of impersonating the URA Commissioner General. He was sentenced to one year in Luzira Prison.

Following the convictions, URA has reiterated its commitment to fighting fraud and protecting the integrity of its institution.

“These cases reflect the growing need for public vigilance and community cooperation,” the Authority said in a statement. “We appreciate the swift reporting that made these arrests possible, and we urge all citizens to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to represent URA.”

The Authority warned that it does not solicit funds through informal channels and emphasized that all recruitment or communication must be verified through official platforms.

“Impersonating government officials is not only criminal, but it also threatens public confidence in national institutions,” URA noted. “We will continue to pursue such cases with the full force of the law.”

The public is encouraged to report any suspected tax-related fraud or impersonation to URA through its verified helplines and regional offices.

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Jinja, UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Uganda and the African Union Commission, has launched the third phase of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) at Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School in Jinja.

The initiative aims to equip girls with essential digital skills, preparing them for careers in coding, robotics, and technology innovation.

AGCCI is a flagship continental programme that empowers adolescent girls with the tools to bridge the gender digital divide. Since its inception in 2018, it has trained thousands of girls across Africa in ICT and STEM. Uganda now expands the programme nationally, affirming its commitment to nurturing future female tech leaders.

Dr. Joyce Abaliwo Mulebeke, State Minister for Gender, Women & Children Affairs in the Busoga Kingdom, praised the initiative for advancing Uganda’s STEM and digital inclusion goals.

“Today, we are investing in girls not just as learners, but as future creators, coders, and innovators who will shape the digital future of Uganda and Africa,” she said, urging the girls to take education seriously as a path to economic empowerment.

Ms. Deborah Basekanakyo, Headmistress of Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School, called the Coding Hub a “groundbreaking opportunity” to empower girls in Eastern Uganda.

“The hub is a safe space for learning, innovation, and transformation. Together, we must make this work,” she emphasized.

UN Women Uganda Country Representative Paulina Chiwangu, in remarks delivered by Grace Bulenzi, Programme Specialist for Gender Statistics, stressed the urgency of closing Uganda’s digital gender gap.

“Only 26% of women in Uganda are online, compared to 45% of men,” she said. “This is more than a training programme—it’s a movement.”

Through coding boot camps, mentorship, and hands-on learning, AGCCI will equip participants with skills in web development, programming, design thinking, and robotics. The first group of 60 girls completed a 10-day intensive training at Wanyange Girls’ and received certificates at the event.

The launch featured a live coding demonstration, testimonials from alumni, and remarks from key stakeholders, including local leaders and parents of the participants. The event also had representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

As Uganda embraces digital transformation, AGCCI serves as a vital platform to ensure girls are not just consumers, but also creators and leaders in the digital world.

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The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the dismissal of four public officials accused of using forged academic documents to secure government jobs.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IG revealed that the affected officials include Mr. Charles Agaba, Ms. Eve Ithungu, Mr. David Dimba Kesyi, and Mr. Denis Livingstone Denis. The officials serve in Bundibugyo, Dokolo, and Koboko district local governments, respectively.

The orders, signed by Deputy Inspector General of Government, Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, followed thorough investigations that uncovered the fraudulent acts.

“The Inspectorate of Government has ordered the Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) of Bundibugyo and Dokolo DLGs, and the Town Clerk of Koboko Municipal Council, to dismiss officials who uttered false documents to gain employment,” the press release stated.

Mr. Charles Agaba, currently serving as Assistant Inventory Management Officer in Bundibugyo DLG, is accused of submitting a forged degree in Procurement and Logistics from Kyambogo University. Investigations showed that he had never graduated from the institution and also forged academic transcripts and appointment documents. He was even awarded Shs3.5 million in court-sanctioned compensation based on the forged credentials.

Ms. Eve Ithungu allegedly submitted a fake diploma in Public Administration from Uganda Pentecostal University to secure her role as a Parish Chief in Bundibugyo DLG. Her appointment was later confirmed by the District Service Commission in 2022.

In Koboko Municipality, Mr. David Dimba Kesyi forged a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) issued by Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) to gain promotion as Principal Education Officer in 2018. UNEB later disowned the certificate.

Mr. Okello Denis Livingstone, District Inspector of Schools for Dokolo DLG, allegedly used a fake UCE certificate and falsely claimed a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kyambogo University. He is also accused of fabricating a transfer letter from the Ministry of Education and Sports to secure his posting to Dokolo in 2018.

“Mr. Okello’s action of uttering a false appointment letter and posting instructions violated Section 328 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 120,” the IG stated. “Any person who knowingly and fraudulently utters a false document commits an offence of the same kind and is liable to the same punishment as if he or she had forged the thing in question.”

The IG cited Section Four, Paragraph 7 of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, to justify the dismissals:

“Gross misconduct is conduct which destroys the relationship of trust and confidence between the public officer and a Ministry or Department or an Agency or a Local Government, and renders the working relationship untenable. Gross misconduct shall result in public interest or dismissal.”

The CAOs of Bundibugyo and Dokolo districts, as well as the Town Clerk of Koboko Municipality, have been instructed to report back to the IG on the actions taken.

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