Kazimba maintained that the shrine’s identity is inseparable from its historical significance and that attempts to rename it distort the story of the martyrs.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, has dismissed claims by some individuals seeking to rename the Uganda Martyrs Shrine from Namugongo to Nakiyanja, insisting that the historic site should retain its original name.
Speaking during this year’s Martyrs Day commemorations at Namugongo, Archbishop Kazimba said the name “Namugongo” is deeply rooted in the history of the Uganda Martyrs and the circumstances surrounding their execution.
“They were dragged on their backs, and when people asked how they had reached the place, the response was that they had been brought while lying on their backs — ‘baabaleese babakululira ku migongo’,” the Archbishop said.
Kazimba maintained that the shrine’s identity is inseparable from its historical significance and that attempts to rename it distort the story of the martyrs.
The remarks were made as a select group of Christians gathered at Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo, to commemorate this year’s Martyrs Day virtually after the government postponed the annual pilgrimage due to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Led by Archbishop Kazimba, the event attracted just over 200 people in line with Ministry of Health guidelines. Traditionally, the shrine hosts thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond for the annual celebration.
The Archbishop also commended the government, particularly President Yoweri Museveni, for providing Shs2 billion that facilitated preparations for this year’s celebrations despite the restrictions.
“Let us also thank Uganda Christian University. Despite being the official organisers, they also provided Shs1 billion towards the preparations,” he said.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Public Service Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of State for Industry David Bahati, Minister of State for the Elderly Jackline Mbabazi and her husband, former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, former Energy Minister Canon Ruth Nankabirwa, and other government officials and religious leaders.