Gulu Archdiocese short of funds as Martyrs Day nears

Praise. The pilgrims from Gulu Archdiocese sing and jump as they walk to Namugongo on Monday. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OKELLO

What you need to know:

  • Reason. The organising committee chairperson, Mr Lawrence Komakech, says most of the pledges made by individuals, business entities and corporate companies, have not been fulfilled.

Gulu. With only one week to the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Martyrs shrine, the Gulu Archdiocese says they are short of the required funds needed to carry out activities for the day.

Gulu Archdiocese was selected by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to animate this year’s June 3 celebrations under the theme: “Obey God Always and Everywhere.”

The archdiocese on behalf of the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province that consists of Gulu, Lira, Arua and Nebbi affiliate dioceses had budgeted to raise Shs900 million.

However, the central organising committee chairperson, Mr Lawrence Komakech, said they have only been able to raise half of what was budgeted.

He said most of the pledges made by individuals, business entities and corporate companies, have not been fulfilled.
“The struggle to raise funds is still ongoing. Most of our money is in pledges, and they have not been fulfilled.

We encourage those who made pledges to fulfil their commitment because the finances are needed now and not after the celebrations,” Mr Komakech told Daily Monitor in an interview yesterday.

“If these pledges are not met, it will be a big setback for us. The pledges are in line with our budget and we need it more than ever before,” he added.

He said the money is meant to organise liturgy, purchasing uniforms for the choir, hiring public address systems, security, transport and food for the pilgrims, among others.

Yesterday, the dfcu regional manager - northern, Mr Christopher Kinyera, handed Shs15 million to Gulu Archdiocese Bishop John Baptist Odama as part of the pledge they made for the Archdiocese towards the celebrations.

“Dfcu bank is proud to join Gulu Archdiocese on this noble cause to celebrate the Martyrs’ Day. We felt we have to be part of this team and on behalf of the bank, we shall give Shs15 million,” Mr Kinyera said.

A total of 240 pilgrims from Gulu Archdiocese set off last week to Namugongo Martyrs shrine to prepare for this year’s celebrations. The pilgrims have so far reached Nakasongola District covering more than 221 kilometres.

Gulu Archdiocese last animated the Uganda Martyrs Day in Namugongo in 2003 after the beatification of Jildo Irwa and Daudi Okello in 2002.

Background
A total of 240 pilgrims from Gulu Archdiocese set off last week to Namugongo Martyrs shrine to prepare for this year’s celebrations. The pilgrims have so far reached Nakasongola District covering more than 221 kilometres.

Gulu Archdiocese last animated the Uganda Martyrs’ Day in Namugongo in 2003 after the beatification of Jildo Irwa and Daudi Okello in 2002.