Thousands of Christians Wednesday converged at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo to celebrate Martyrs Day in remembrance of the 45 converts executed over a century ago for their religious beliefs.

Rwandan pilgrims were among thousands of other Christians that congregated at Namugongo. 

"Faithful to the End" is the theme of this year’s celebrations, drawn from the book of Revelation 2:10.

Every June 3, Christians from around the world pay homage to 45 Martyrs, who were killed by Buganda King Mwanga II in 1886, for converting to Christianity.

In his message to the pilgrims, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni called on Christians to be exemplary in whatever they do in order for them to win converts to their side.

"If the Christians are poor, dirty, and sickly, they can’t be a good example to the others who are looking at them,” he said.

He called on the Christians to embrace wealth creation and peace, imploring the clerics to join government in its efforts to improve household incomes.

Quoting from the Bible, Museveni said "let your light so shine upon men and see your good deeds and praise the Father who is in heaven."

"In the past, Uganda had a problem of disunity among the people including in religion and lack of peace. We now have both unity and peace in the whole length and breadth of Uganda. I was watching pilgrims walking to Namugongo and sleeping on the way. Nobody was disturbing them. I was very happy," he said.

Museveni promised that his Government will work with the Church to redevelop the Martyrs Shrines and its surroundings.

The main celebrant, the Bishop of Lira Diocese Joseph Franzeli implored the rich not to forget those in need. 

"We are faced with two different gospels. The one of Jesus and another of the world, which one should we follow? No one can serve two masters. Like Jesus did, I call upon you to be peacemakers, compassionate, humble, love one another and be tolerant,” Franzeli said.

Other countries with pilgrims included, USA, France, UK, Canada, India, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo, Burundi, Malawi and Nigeria.

The pilgrims included Maama Miria, the widow of former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, Ugandan Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Natagali, Archbishop of Kampala and Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.