President Yoweri Museveni has reinforced the government’s unwavering commitment to developing religious tourism sites across Uganda, with a particular focus on transforming Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro district into a significant pilgrimage destination. The President made these remarks on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, while attending the national celebrations for St. Gonzaga Gonza Day as the Chief Pilgrim at Bugonza Shrine, an event organized by the Jinja Diocese.
President Museveni highlighted that the government has consistently allocated funds in the national budget to support the annual commemoration of Martyrs’ Day at Namugongo. He affirmed that similar dedication would be extended to the birthplaces of other revered Uganda Martyrs.
“Developing this site here will be done. I discussed with the priests, and I told them what shall be done here at Bugonza and also at Matia Mulumba’s place at Kyebando and the one of Bishop Hannington in Kyando because all these people are important and capture the sentiment of our people,” President Museveni stated, promising the development of Bugonza and Kyebando Catholic Pilgrimage sites will commence in the next Financial Year 2026/2027.
The day commemorated the life and martyrdom of St. Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered martyrs who was killed for his unwavering faith. “I’m very happy to be here to take part in these celebrations to commemorate St. Gonzaga Gonza,” the President noted.
He also proudly recalled his role in making June 3rd a public holiday, easing the commemoration of all religious martyrs for Ugandans. “Before the NRM came, they would wait for a weekend to celebrate the Uganda Martyrs Day, but when I came, I discussed with Cardinal Nsubuga to make it a public holiday,” he added. President Museveni also reminded the congregation of the June 9th Heroes Day, dedicated to those who shed their blood for Uganda’s liberation.
Beyond the religious tourism initiative, President Museveni made substantial financial pledges aimed at supporting the developmental projects of the Jinja Diocese. He committed Shs 950 million towards the completion of the Minor Seminary in Iganga. Additionally, he pledged Shs 300 million to the SACCO of Priests in the Diocese of Jinja and another Shs 300 million to complete their commercial building located in Kamuli district.
In a significant show of support, the President pledged full financial backing from the government to ensure the completion of the Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja. He commended the Jinja Diocese leadership, stating, “And I’m glad these priests know how to use resources sparingly. We gave them Shs. 2 billion to celebrate Namugongo Martyrs Day two years ago when Jinja diocese was leading. They used some of it and saved a portion which they used to start the Martyrs Hospital which we are going to complete.”
Furthermore, President Museveni donated a tractor to the Jinja Diocese to bolster agricultural production and pledged to offer financial support to Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Diocese for his medical treatment.
President Museveni’s visit and generous commitments underscore the government’s continued recognition of the profound spiritual and cultural significance of the Uganda Martyrs, linking historical reverence with tangible development initiatives for both tourism and community welfare.
