AT least 500 pilgrims from Rwanda, yesterday, joined thousands of Christians from across the globe 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 Nyakibanda.In his sermon, the Bishop of Kasana- Luweero Diocese Paul Semwogerere called on Christians to emulate martyrs like Matia Mulumba who despite his position as a judge in society never involved himself in soliciting for bribes from his clients.“He lived a simple life yet he was an influential member of the society,” the cleric told tens of thousands of believers in Namugongo.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.“We should all live our lives for Christ and that is the only way we shall be able to do what he wants,” he said.Genevive Mbabazi one of the pilgrims from Rwanda said that the event had helped her network with hundreds of other faithful from other countries.The pilgrims 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.
