President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to uphold freedom of worship while striving for economic prosperity, cautioning against mixing religious beliefs with political interests.
Speaking at the Anglican shrine during the 2025 Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations on June 3, the President congratulated believers across the country and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting religious harmony and development.
“On behalf of the government and on behalf of Maama Janet and myself, I congratulate all Ugandan believers on Martyrs' Day,” Museveni said.
He announced that the government had donated Shs 2 billion each to the Catholic and Anglican shrines and Shs 200 million to the Muslim shrine in commemoration of the day. He directed that such contributions be included in the national budget annually, recognizing the event’s national significance.
Museveni emphasized the historical roots of religious freedom in Uganda, tracing the arrival of Islam in 1841, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879. He condemned Kabaka Mwanga’s execution of the martyrs who had embraced new religious beliefs, calling the act “wrong” and praising the martyrs for sacrificing their lives for the freedom of worship.
“These young boys—and some girls, I am told—were ready to give up their lives for the new perspective the new religions had brought. This is what all and sundry should know about the Africans of this area. They can sacrifice for the legitimate causes they believe in,” the President said.
He also drew parallels between the Martyrs of 1886 and Uganda’s modern-day heroes, including Edidian Luttamaguzi, who faced Bazilio Okello’s forces in Kikandwa in 1981.
Highlighting the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) ideological framework, Museveni underscored four guiding principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, social-economic transformation, and democracy. He urged Ugandans to engage in wealth creation and warned against depending on sectarian markets for prosperity.
“The market of Uganda is not big enough to guarantee our prosperity. Have you heard of East Africa? Have you heard of Africa? They can buy all your surplus,” he said, promoting Pan-Africanism as a pathway to economic success.
Quoting biblical scriptures, the President reinforced the importance of separating spiritual matters from state governance. “Give unto God what is God’s and unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” he said, citing Mark 12:17. He urged religious leaders to influence followers through good deeds rather than attacks on other faiths.
Museveni also commended the government’s infrastructure development at the religious sites and pledged continued support to the Muslim community once their preparations are complete.
“I am told some Muslim followers were also killed by Mwanga. When they are ready, we shall support them,” he said.
The President concluded his speech with a reminder of Uganda’s cultural values that uphold unity, dignity, and divine reliance through personal responsibility. “God helps those who help themselves,” he said.