Kampala - As the Church of Uganda starts early preparations for Martyr's celebration for the year 2023, the country is set to recognize the late Bishop James Hannington as the first martyr to be killed.

While addressing a news conference attended by the church clergy and government officials at Namugongo on Thursday 06th,2022, 1st Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga said that it was agreed in a meeting hosted on Wednesday 05th,2022 by president Museveni with the clergy and political leaders from eastern Uganda at a meeting that a cabinet paper is presented on Monday to celebrate the day in which the late Bishop is remembered this October 29th.

Speaking ahead of the 3rd June, Martyrs day celebration for 2023, preparation at Namugongo Protestant shrines, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga who is also a co-chair of the organizing committee church of Uganda Martyrs day celebrations explained that the matter was agreed upon in a meeting between Church of Uganda clerics with President Museveni led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu who pleaded that the death of Bishop James Hannington is remembered.

Bishop James Hannington the then reigning Bishop of the Anglican church in East Africa, alongside 48 of his 50 pages was speared and stoned to death at present-day Kyando village, Bukatuube in Mayuge district.

Kadaga later visited the tomb of the Late Hanington at Namirembe Cathedral and laid a wreath saying he was the first martyr, which led to the murder of the rest of the martyrs at Namugongo calling for a public holiday.  

Karamoja State minister Agnes Nandutu and Defence state minister for defense Jacob Oboth said that the martyrs day celebrations for the year 2023 will be colorful given the participation of the different dioceses in the eastern region, unlike the previous martyrs’ day celebrations.

More than 10 tribes of the eastern region are expected to organize the 2023 celebrations.

Minister Nandutu is also optimistic that the various tribes' participation will add color to the function.

Minister of state for defense Jacob Oboth also assured the pilgrims of security during the celebrations.

Rev. Jackson Matovu, chairman of the Uganda Martyrs Museum Namugongo, a development committee, says the whole Martyrs days celebrations are budgeted for 2 Billion Shillings but currently there are no funds yet.

Matovu also assured the public that in December 2022, the amphitheater (Pavilion) worth Shs68bn seating 20,000 pilgrims will be complete and on 3rd, June 2023 will be ready to be used by the pilgrims for a worship service.  

The Bishop of Bukedi Diocese George Sam Bogere Egesa also the cluster leader of Eastern Region Egesa says President Museveni is expected to be the Chief Guest during the 3rd June 2023 Martyrs days celebration and the main celebrant will be The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu.

Meanwhile, Bukedi Diocese Bishop, George Sam Bogere Eggesa, also eastern region cluster leader says President Museveni is expected to be the Chief Guest during the 3rd June 2023 Martyrs day celebration and the main celebrant will be the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu.