A Call to Unity and Love: Mgrs. Kayongo’s Message to URA Staff in Preparation for Martyrs Day 2025

On May 21, 2025, during a special pastoral visit by Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Mgrs. Kayongo delivered a heartfelt reflection to the staff, drawing from the spiritual theme for the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day: “Baptized and Sent to Witness Christ with Love and Hope.”

Mgrs. Kayongo emphasized the significance of the cross in the life of every Christian. “The closer we are to the cross, the better we are in life,” he said. “But the farther we move away from it, the more divided and different we become.” He reminded everyone that the journey of faith is not one of personal gain or reward, but a divine calling—a vocation to serve with love, dedication, and unity.

He encouraged the URA team to work in convination—a spirit of coordination and harmony—putting aside personal interests and differences to serve the nation and the Church with a heart full of love. “We do not work merely because of the pay,” he stressed, “but because it is a call.”

Citing the New Testament, Mgrs. Kayongo reminded them of Romans 12:11: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” He called upon all URA employees to reflect the spirit of early Christians who, inspired by the witness of the Uganda Martyrs, gave their lives in service of their faith and their people.

As Lugazi Diocese prepares to lead the 3rd June 2025 Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, Mgrs. Kayongo urged the URA staff to be spiritually, emotionally, and physically prepared. “Let us move as one,” he said. “Let us carry this cross together, and in doing so, we will go far—not just as individuals, but as a united force for good in our nation.”

In this sacred moment, all were reminded that service, when done with love and hope, becomes a holy offering, echoing the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs who stood firm in their faith.

Watch the MASS at URA 21.05.25

As the Lugazi Diocese leads preparations for the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, the Secretariat extends heartfelt greetings to all Christians, pilgrims, partners, and friends. We are honored to spearhead this deeply spiritual and nationally significant event, which commemorates the heroic witness of the Uganda Martyrs.

The 2025 celebration will be held under the theme: “Baptized and Sent to Witness Christ with Love and Hope.” This theme invites us to reflect on our baptismal calling and to renew our commitment to Christian witness through love, service, unity, and perseverance in hope—just as the martyrs did.

The Secretariat calls upon all dioceses, institutions, corporate partners, and government bodies to work in unity and commitment. In the spirit of the martyrs, let us embrace this moment not as a routine event, but as a sacred opportunity to demonstrate our faith, unity, and national identity.

Preparations are ongoing across several fronts: spiritual mobilization, infrastructure upgrades, fundraising, hospitality, and security. Pilgrims from all over Uganda and beyond are expected to gather at Namugongo to pay homage and renew their faith.

We appeal to all Ugandans to support this cause, through prayer, voluntary service, and financial contributions. Let us move together in faith and love as we prepare to welcome millions of pilgrims to Namugongo.

May the intercession of the Holy Uganda Martyrs inspire and strengthen us all as we journey together toward June 3, 2025.

Watch the Bishop of Lugazi - About the Preparation