MTN Uganda has contributed UGX35 million to support the Catholic church’s preparations for the forthcoming Uganda Martyrs day celebrations on June 3rd, 2022. This support is hinged on a long-standing relationship between MTN and the Catholic fraternity, that has seen MTN extend support to its initiatives over the past years.
Out of the UGX35 million shillings, UGX10 million will go towards boosting the new Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere’s preparations for Martyrs Day and the UGX25 million will go towards the Fort portal Catholic Diocese, which is set to lead this year’s Martyrs’ Day Celebrations in Namugongo.
MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Human Resources, Mr. Michael Ssekadde while handing over the UGX10 million cheque to Msgr. Charles Kasibante, on behalf of the Catholic Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere, in an event held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Rubaga hailed the Catholic church for its steadfast commitment and resilience towards spirituality nurturing the community amidst the numerous challenges they face today.
“Religious institutions serve a critical role in nurturing us. Therefore, we as MTN feel greatly honored and humbled to be associated with the catholic church as they prepare to celebrate a historic landmark of faith,” Ssekadde said. “We pledge to support the Catholic church to ensure a fruitful celebration of the Uganda Martyrs’ day.”
Msgr. Charles Kasibante on behalf of the Catholic Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere thanked MTN for its continued kindness towards the Catholic church and all the other religious sects in general.
“We are indeed humbled by your continuous support towards our initiatives as we embark on fulfilling God’s work to his people. We thank you for this kindness that you have continuously extended to us and it’s our humble prayer that God continues to bless all your endeavors,” Kasibante said.
On May 23rd, 2022, MTN will hand over the UGX25 million cheque to the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese at the same time flag off the pilgrims. The telco confirmed it will also provide the pilgrims with refreshments as they make their week-long pilgrimage by foot to the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations.
MTN will further sponsor the broadcast of activities leading up to Martyrs’ Day celebrations, as well as the proceedings of the actual day on local TV stations. This will enable the people who might not be able to convene at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to keep up with the celebrations remotely.
MTN Uganda has over the years supported various Catholic dioceses in organizing this historically important religious day that attracts pilgrims from far and wide. Last year, the telco supported the Masaka diocese with UGX20 million to help the diocese in its preparations for 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. This year marks 58 years since the Uganda Martyrs were canonized and elevated to sainthood by Pope Paul VI on October 18th, 1964.
