President Museveni has pledged government support to develop Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District into a key religious tourism site as part of efforts to promote faith-based tourism in Uganda.
Speaking as Chief Pilgrim during the St. Gonzaga Gonza Day national celebrations held at Bugonza Shrine on Sunday, July 6, 2025, President Museveni emphasized that the government will prioritize the development of Uganda Martyrs’ birthplaces, including Bugonza in Kaliro and Kyebando in Mayuge—birthplaces of Gonzaga Gonza and Matia Mulumba respectively.
“Developing this site here will be done. I discussed with the priests, and I told them what shall be done here at Bugonza, and also at Matia Mulumba’s place at Kyebando and the one of Bishop Hannington in Kyando because all these people are important and capture the sentiment of our people,” said Museveni.
The President noted that the government has consistently allocated funds to support Martyrs Day celebrations and pledged continued investment in sites associated with Uganda’s religious history.
“I’m very happy to be here to take part in these celebrations to commemorate St. Gonzaga Gonza,” Museveni said, recalling that his government declared June 3 a public holiday to ease nationwide commemoration of the martyrs.
“Before the NRM came, they would wait for a weekend to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day, but when I came, I discussed with Cardinal Nsubuga to make it a public holiday,” he added.
Museveni also highlighted that Uganda celebrates Heroes Day on June 9, reflecting the country’s culture of honoring its historical figures.
During the event, Museveni pledged Shs950 million towards completing the Minor Seminary in Iganga, Shs300 million for the Jinja Diocese Priests’ SACCO, and another Shs300 million to finish a diocesan commercial building in Kamuli District.
He further committed full government support for completing the Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja, praising the Diocese’s effective financial management.
“We gave them Shs2 billion to celebrate Namugongo Martyrs Day two years ago when Jinja Diocese was leading. They used some of it and saved a portion, which they used to start the Martyrs Hospital which we are going to complete,” Museveni said.
The President also pledged to fund the development of Bugonza and Kyebando Catholic pilgrimage sites in the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
Additionally, he donated a tractor to Jinja Diocese for agricultural initiatives and promised to cover medical expenses for Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Diocese.
“I’m very sorry that the bishop is sick and we are going to do everything possible to support him,” he said.
Museveni also urged Christians to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a tool for poverty alleviation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
“I normally hear people saying that PDM money is being stolen and they want us to start other efforts. I insist on the proper use of the money in the parish,” he stressed.
The President explained that every parish in Uganda receives Shs100 million annually under PDM, with the funds expected to multiply through reinvestment over five years.
“Even if the government doesn’t add in new money in two years, the parish bank will be having Shs1.6 billion,” Museveni said.
He warned against using high-interest money lenders, noting that PDM offers a more sustainable solution.
“There’s an answer for everybody. I would therefore appeal to you to come up and inspect what’s happening with your money,” he added.
The Mass to mark 139 years since the martyrdom of Gonzaga Gonza was led by Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo Archdiocese.
Delivering Bishop Wamika’s message, Fr. Gerald Muto, the Chancellor of Jinja Diocese, noted that the Diocese has embraced wealth creation programs.
“Sir, I don’t see anything bad with religious leaders promoting wealth creation campaigns among followers,” Wamika stated. “The patriotism and wealth creation messages are not political; it is the responsibility of both political and religious leaders to change the mindset of our people.”
He called upon the government to further develop Bugonza and Kyebando into tourism sites for religious pilgrims.
Bishop Wamika also thanked President Museveni for supporting his medical treatment.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, congratulated Museveni on his nomination as NRM National Chairperson and presidential flag bearer.
Kadaga also echoed the need to recognize and develop all Uganda Martyrs’ sites and for government to allocate resources to commemorate them at their places of origin.
Who was Gonzaga Gonza?
Gonzaga Gonza, born around 1862 in Busoga, was the sixth Uganda Martyr to be killed. Kidnapped as a child, he was raised in Buganda under Nkambo Buluusi. Known for his obedience, kindness, and hard work, he served in King Muteesa’s palace from age 12.
Gonza initially professed Islam and Protestantism before becoming a devout Catholic, baptized on November 17, 1885. He was known for his zeal and piety and chose to go to prison on behalf of Namulabira, who was falsely accused of associating with a princess and one of the king’s wives.
