MTN Uganda Contributes to Catholic and Anglican Churches Ahead of Martyrs Day Celebrations

Kampala, Uganda. MTN Uganda has extended support to both the Catholic and Anglican Churches ahead of the annual Martyrs Day celebrations that commemorate the lives of the 45 martyrs who were killed in the late 19th century.

In a show of goodwill, MTN Uganda has donated UGX 20 million to the Jinja Catholic Diocese and UGX 10 million to the Church of Uganda, to support their preparations for this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations. This follows a long-standing relationship between MTN Uganda and both the Catholic and Anglican fraternities, where MTN has extended support to their initiatives over the past years.

The UGX 30 million donation to the Catholic Church and Church of Uganda will go towards the preparations of the Martyrs’ day celebrations at Namugongo.

Speaking at the handover event in Jinja, the Head Commercial Eastern Region, Njagala Allan, representing MTN Uganda’s ED Sylvia Mulinge, hailed the Catholic Church for its steadfast commitment and resilience towards spiritually nurturing the community amidst the numerous challenges they face today.

Bishop of Jinja Diocese Rt Rev Charles Martin Wamiika expressed gratitude to MTN for its continued support of the Catholic Church and all religious sects in general. He said, “We are grateful to MTN Uganda for their contribution towards the preparation of the Martyrs Day celebrations. This donation will go a long way in making the day a success and in ensuring that we continue to keep the spirit of the Uganda Martyrs alive.”

In addition to the financial donations to the Catholic and Anglican communities, MTN Uganda also contributed to the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. 250 Reflective jackets were donated to ensure that the pilgrims are visible and safe during their journey. MTN also provided 100 boxes of bottled water to the pilgrims to ensure that they stay hydrated during the long and arduous journey. The provision of reflective jackets and water bottles is part of MTN’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, and we hope that it will contribute to a successful and safe pilgrimage for all.

Patrick Tusiime, MTN Uganda’s Commercial Head Central had this to say about the company’s support of the churches: “MTN Uganda is proud to be associated with the Martyrs Day celebrations and the spiritual nourishment that the Anglican churches provide to our communities. We are committed to supporting these churches and their initiatives as they continue to make a significant impact in the lives of many people.”

Rt. Rev Kosea Odongo, Bishop of Soroti diocese, who represented the Bishop Samuel Egesa, Chairperson  Cluster, also expressed his gratitude to MTN Uganda for their generous donation. “We are thankful to MTN Uganda for their donation towards the preparation of the Martyrs Day celebrations. This support is a testament to the long-standing relationship between MTN Uganda and the Church of Uganda, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

MTN Uganda has over the years supported both the Catholic and Anglican churches in organising this historically important religious day that attracts pilgrims from far and wide. The company will, in conjunction with both churches, officially flag off the pilgrims from Jinja Diocese on May 29. MTN will also provide the pilgrims with refreshments as they make their week-long pilgrimage by foot to the Namugongo Catholic and Anglican Shrines in Central Uganda, ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations.

The Uganda Martyrs Day is observed every 3rd of June to commemorate the 45 martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, then King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. This year marks 59 years since the Uganda Martyrs were canonized and elevated to sainthood by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964.