Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson urged Ugandans to draw inspiration from the example of the Uganda Martyrs and to remain steadfast in their beliefs and convictions despite the challenges and adversity.

On 6 June 2026, Ugandans living in Italy gathered in Rome to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day. Traditionally observed in Uganda on June 3rd, this year’s national celebration was postponed due to the Ebola outbreak. The Rome gathering, which also usually takes place during the same week as the celebration in Uganda, is organized by the Uganda Ecclesiastical Community in Rome, in collaboration with Uganda’s Embassy to Italy. This provides Ugandans in Italy the opportunity to honor the Martyrs’ Day as a community away from home.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, presiding over the liturgy. / Credit: Video courtesy of The Infinite Singers

This year’s celebration took place at the Generalate of the Missionaries of Africa, a site deeply linked to the Uganda Martyrs’ foundational heritage. In his welcoming remarks, Father Stanley Lubungo, M.Afr., Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa, expressed joy and gratitude for hosting Ugandans at the Missionaries of Africa’s Generalate. He emphasized, “It is a joy and a duty for us to welcome the Ugandan community in Rome, as this Generalate is where the real ‘Bajajja ‘ (grandparents) here referred to mean the martyrs are here – this explains the fact that the Missionaries of Africa, widely known as the White Fathers, are the pioneer Catholic missionaries who evangelized Uganda. They are considered the spiritual fathers of the Uganda Martyrs, as it was through their teachings that the young converts were baptized and later martyred. Father Stanley concluded by wishing the congregation a joyful celebration and fraternity.

Honoring the Courage and Faith of the Uganda Martyrs

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences  over the liturgy. He exhorted the faithful to renew their commitment to the Gospel, drawing strength from the courage and conviction of the martyrs. The Cardinal encouraged all present to reaffirm their lives in Jesus Christ, inspired by the example of the Uganda Martyrs who sacrificed everything for their faith.

He reflected on the story of the three brothers from the Book of Maccabees, highlighting their unwavering bravery and faith. In the Scripture reading, the brothers defied the king’s demands, defending their identity and traditions unto death. Cardinal Turkson noted, “The Uganda Martyrs demonstrated extraordinary courage in defending their beliefs. Their example reminds us to remain faithful, resilient, and committed to serving God, regardless of the challenges we encounter.”

A special and memorable aspect of the Mass was the presence of the relics of Saint Charles Lwanga, displayed before the altar throughout the liturgy. St. Charles Lwanga is venerated for his steadfast faith in the face of persecution.

Reflecting on the day’s experience, Brother Adolf shared that praying with the relics of St. Charles Lwanga in their midst and visiting the Chapel of the Uganda Martyrs at the Missionaries of Africa Generalate in Rome was profoundly moving. He observed that one witnesses God’s transformative power through the suffering of the martyrs. Brother Adolf also recounted the privilege of praying at the icon of the Uganda Martyrs together with Cardinal Peter Turkson and Fr. Thomas Gomes, C.S.C.

Ugandan Ambassador to Italy

Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, emphasized the vital role of the diaspora in Uganda’s development. She commended their support through remittances, investment, tourism, and knowledge transfer, noting that these contributions significantly advance Uganda’s socio-economic progress. Ambassador Napeyok encouraged Ugandans living abroad to unite, support one another, and prioritize their country and families, particularly in the agro-economy. She also advocated for the transfer of simple technologies, especially agricultural ones, to enhance productivity. Furthermore, she called upon Church leaders to continue praying for national unity and highlighted the necessity of cooperation between the Church and government to nurture Uganda’s spiritual and socio-economic development.

H.E. Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, addressing the Congregation at the Uganda Martyrs Day in Rome / Credit: Video courtesy of The Infinite Singers

Laudato Youth Initiative and the Uganda Martyrs

For the Laudato Youth Initiative, the witness of the Uganda Martyrs is a call to deep faith and courageous action in society today. Their fidelity inspires youth to stand for truth, justice, and the protection of creation amid modern challenges. As Pope Francis affirms in Laudato Si’, caring for our world is inseparable from a life rooted in faith and moral duty.

Among the martyrs, St. Adolf Mukasa Ludigo’s legacy speaks profoundly to contemporary concerns for integral ecology. Born in western Uganda and martyred at Namugongo in 1886, St. Adolf is the patron of farmers, herdsmen, and hunters. His life reveals a close bond with the land and environment that sustained communities long before today’s ecological crises.

St. Adolf’s ecological legacy is evident in his connection to rural livelihoods and care for creation. Farmers, herdsmen, and hunters, the majority of ordinary people in Uganda, depend on healthy ecosystems. As we confront climate change and biodiversity loss, St. Adolf’s patronage reminds us to be mindful of the poor and those whose lives depend on the land. His example also calls us to recognize the interdependence of environmental and human health. We are encouraged to emulate St. Adolf by valuing and working diligently in farming, as he did in his service as a page.

St. Adolf Mukasa Ludigo served as a royal court page. Abducted as a youth from the Bunyoro region, he was entrusted with the care of Kabaka Mwanga II’s gardens. Martyred on June 3, 1886, for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith, his exemplary life embodies humility, charity, unshakable courage, and ecological stewardship. Because of his close relationship with the earth as caretaker of the King’s gardens, he is venerated as the patron saint of farmers and herdsmen. St. Adolf stands as a model for integrating faith with environmental sustainability and care for creation.

Learning from his legacy, we see how to remain steadfast in one’s beliefs, serve others humbly, and live with integrity even amidst severe adversity. For young people engaged in environmental action, St. Adolf’s witness encourages an ethic of responsible stewardship. His example challenges us to recognize the sacredness of creation and defend the dignity of communities whose livelihoods depend upon the land. The courage that led him to remain faithful unto death can inspire a new generation to confront ecological injustice with determination and hope.

Prayers for Peace and National Unity

The commemoration concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in Uganda and throughout the world. Participants reflected on the enduring legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, whose witness continues to inspire faith, integrity, courage, and service to humanity across generations.

Celebrating the Uganda Martyrs bridges faith, culture, and connection to the land, underscoring that their sacrifice is a seed of hope for integral ecology. Their witness calls us to celebrate St. Adolf’s ecological legacy and reminds us that discipleship entails caring for both people and the planet. As the Laudato Youth Initiative mobilizes youth for ecological renewal, the martyrs, especially St. Adolf, model faith through service and care for creation.

Honoring the Uganda Martyrs celebrates their sacrifice and message: faith calls us to protect all that God entrusts to us, including the Earth. Their courage illuminates the path toward a more just and sustainable future for Africa and beyond. Read Vatican News article “Honouring courage and faith: Uganda Martyrs Day celebrated in Rome”