Bugonza, Kaliro – July 1, 2025 | Eye Media Uganda Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to grace the St. Gonzaga Gonza Day national celebrations as the Chief Pilgrim, in an event expected to draw thousands of faithful from across Uganda. This was confirmed by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, also Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidency, Haji Faruk Kirunda.
The annual religious function will take place on Saturday, 6th July 2025, at Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District, and is being organised by the Jinja Catholic Diocese.
“This year’s celebration comes at a time when the Church and the country continue to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice and national unity,” said Haji Kirunda, noting that no COVID-19 testing will be required for pilgrims.
The event will also serve as a moment of prayer for the new Pope Leo XIV and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of the late Pope Francis.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Rev. Fr. Gerald Mutto, the Chancellor of Jinja Diocese, assured the public that preparations are in high gear.
“We want pilgrims to find the place spiritually prepared, physically welcoming and well organised. All systems are in place,” Fr. Mutto stated.
Who Was St. Gonzaga Gonza?
Gonzaga Gonza, one of Uganda’s revered martyrs, was born around 1862 in Busoga, the son of Gonzabato. He was kidnapped as a child and taken to Buganda, where he was raised by Nkambo Buluusi, a royal official who treated him as his own son.
At the age of 12, Gonzaga joined Kabaka Muteesa’s palace, where he was first Muslim, then Protestant, and finally embraced Catholicism, being baptized on 17th November 1885.
Known for his kindness, obedience, and zeal for faith, Gonzaga volunteered to go to prison in place of Namulabira, a fellow Christian falsely accused. While being taken to Namugongo for execution, he collapsed from exhaustion and was speared to death by Mukajanga on May 27, 1886, at the age of 24.
Today, St. Gonzaga Gonza is venerated as the Patron of prisoners, travellers, the ill-treated, and those in distress.
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