Museveni graces Namugongo martyrs day prayers

President Museveni on Wednesday graced prayers at both the Catholic and the Anglican shrines at Namugongo during the celebrations to mark Uganda Martyrs Day.
Mr Museveni who was received by the chairman of the Episcopal Conference John Baptist Odama and Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga said during NRM’s leadership, Uganda has witnessed tremendous achievements key of which include security, peace and development.

“I have been reading in the media about pilgrims who trek long distances to come here (Namugongo) to commemorate Uganda martyrs day. Because of peace in all parts of the country, pilgrims have been able to walk day and night to Namugongo without any insecurity incidents,” he said
Mr Museveni also pledged government’s continued support towards developing Namugongo.
“Government will work with the Church to redevelop the Martyrs Shrines and its surroundings,” he said.

He further observed that government has emphasised infrastructure development like roads and railway to ensure genuine development in the country.
The road to Namugongo from Kireka, Jinja Road, according to Mr Museveni, will be re-developed. He said it will attract more businesses and create jobs.
He urged religious leaders to join government in its efforts to improve household incomes.

According to officials, over two million pilgrims attended this year’s martyrs’ day celebrations.
Pilgrims came from different parts of the world like USA, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Rwanda, Nigeria, Sothern Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo, France, among others
According to Bishop Joseph Franzelli whose Lira Archdiocese led martyrs day celebration, the message of Jesus was that blessed are the poor, the peace maker and those who are persecuted.