Kampala – Greater Ankole Dioceses have launched a fundraising drive as they prepare to lead the 3rd June Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Anglican shrine.
The drive aims at raising atleast Shs 600 million to support the day’s activities.
The Province of the Church of Uganda gave Greater Ankole Dioceses a previllage to organize the 2022 Martyr’s Day celebration event after a two year break caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
Greater Ankole Dioceses comprises Ankole, West Ankole, North Ankole, South Ankole and North West Ankole Dioceses.
As part of activities in preparations for the day, a thanksgiving service was held on Friday evening at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala attended by all the five bishops from the dioceses of Greater Ankole.
During the service, a total of Shs 86 million was raised in both cash and pledges to support the day’s activities.
Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East Africa attended the service as Chief Guest.
In his remarks, Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Bishop Ankole Diocese and Cluster Leader of the Greater Ankole Dioceses noted that the Dioceses have already committed to raising Shs 200 million towards the cause.
He called for support from Christians and well wishers to raise the remaining balance to ensure a fruitful event.
The theme of the Martyrs Day celebrations 2022 is, “Hope beyond affliction.”
Emeritus Bishop Samson Mwaluda, a renown international evangelist is expected to be the preacher of the day.
Ahead of the celebrations, Bishop Mwesigwa says there will be a number of conferences for women, men, children and youth among others.
He says the Dioceses will on that day unveil a book which among other things will showcase the journey of revival in Ankole.
“In an era where marriages are breaking, we are going to print a book containing couples who have spent 50 years and above in Holy Matrimony including the longest surviving couple which is 75 years in marriage. It will also contain testimonies of three former witchdoctors who got saved and a story of the late Esteri Kokundeka, mother of president Museveni who was a stounge born again among others.” Explains Bishop Mwesigwa
President Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the event.
