KAMPALA -500 pilgrims from Rwanda, joined thousands of their counterparts Friday in commemorating Martyrs Day, in Namugongo, Uganda.

Every June 3, Christians of Catholic and Anglican denominations from around the world pay homage to 45 Martyrs,who were killed by Buganda King Muwanga II in 1884, for converting to Christianity.

The Rwandan delegation was led by Father Antoine Kambanda, the Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Major Seminary.

In his sermon, Kambanda said that the martyrs did not die in vain, adding that it is because of their blood that Christianity was easily spread across parts of Africa.

"The martyrs send a very strong message to all of us, and this is that one has to make sacrifices in order to gain success. If you want to get rich, you have to work hard,” he said.

Kambanda added that the death of the martyrs built a lot of confidence and trust for Africans among missionaries who at first thought it would be difficult to preach their message to a population that was just getting used to Christianity.

"Their blood is the seed of faith, and on their part, this was a high proof of fidelity and faith. This is the strong relationship we share,” he said.

The pilgrims, who included a choir from Kigali’s St. Michel Church, were later hosted to a dinner by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Frank Mugambage, at his residence.

Mugambage commended the pilgrims for having participated in the commemoration event, and called on them to uphold the Rwandan culture and values.

"Leadership comes from God and we should all be proud that we have a strong political leadership that has not only won respect inside the country, but also outside,” he said.

Martyrs Day also attracted pilgrims from Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, USA, Malawi, Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.

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