MTN Uganda on Wednesday announced a partnership with the Masaka Catholic Diocese to support and prepare the forthcoming Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3rd, 2021 —that will be held in Namugongo. Due to the stringent Covid-19 preventive SOPs, fewer people are expected to attend the event.
Because of these restrictions, MTN Uganda has also partnered with Bukedde TV to broadcast most of the proceedings leading up to and during the celebrations. This will include live updates every day (which begun on Wednesday 26th, May 2021) and will go through the week peaking on June 3rd, 2021 with the main celebrations.
While announcing the partnership, Mr. Joseph Bogera, MTN Uganda General Manager of Sales and Distribution said the telco will ensure that all the people who might not be able to physically be part of the activities leading up to and the main celebrations at Namugongo are able to follow the proceedings on Bukedde TV.
“We have supported our Christian brothers and sisters over the years and this year is not any different. However, considering that this year’s celebrations are happening amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the pilgrims may not be able to attend the celebrations physically. As MTN, we have pledged our resources to support them follow the Martyrs day celebrations digitally,” Bogera explained to journalists at a press briefing held at the Diocese.
The telco contributed UGX20 million towards the celebration. The contribution was handed over by Bogera to the Masaka Diocese Bishop, Serverus Jjumba who thanked the telco for its continued support towards the church.
“We are honored that by the Grace of God, you have come all the way to support and stand with us as we commemorate this very important day on the Christian calendar. We also find great comfort in the fact that you will support the church in carrying the message and spirit of the celebrations to our brothers and sisters who might not attend the celebrations physically,” said Bishop Jjumba who also recited a prayer of blessing upon the company.
Bishop Jjumba encouraged the pilgrims from Masaka and across the country, to maintain the SOPs as the country continues to navigate the unprecedented Covid 19 pandemic.
The Uganda Martyrs Day that is observed every 3rd of June, commemorates 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 57 years since the Uganda Martyrs were canonized and elevated to sainthood by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964.
