The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, has urged leaders at all levels and believers across the country to work toward justice, saying it remains the only firm foundation for lasting peace in Uganda.
The bishop made the call while presiding over Mass attended by thousands of pilgrims at Kanabulemu Nazareth Parish in Kyotera District, during commemorations in honour of St. Yoanna Maria Kiwanuka Muzeeyi, the last of the Uganda Martyrs to be killed on January 27, 1887.
St. Muzeeyi is remembered for his unwavering faith and courage at a time when Christians faced brutal persecution under King Mwanga. Despite the threat to his life, he remained steadfast until he was beheaded, a sacrifice that continues to inspire believers more than a century later.
In his homily, Bishop Jjumba emphasized that peace begins at the grassroots, starting within families and communities. He noted that respect for one another, including observing boundaries such as land borders, is essential to peaceful coexistence.
“Peace starts at home,” the bishop said, adding that justice in everyday interactions is critical to preventing conflicts from escalating.
He challenged judicial officers to dispense justice without bias or corruption, warning that injustice breeds resentment and instability. The bishop also cautioned against retaliation, saying the principle of “an eye for an eye” only perpetuates cycles of violence, and called on Ugandans to embrace forgiveness as a pathway to reconciliation.
Addressing leaders, Bishop Jjumba warned against the belief that war can deliver peace. “War only brings fire and destruction,” he said, urging those in authority to pursue dialogue and justice instead of force.
He further encouraged Christians to emulate St. Muzeeyi by remaining faithful to the Word of God, attending Mass regularly, and receiving the Sacraments. The bishop also reminded the public that sanitation and environmental protection are a collective responsibility, noting that disease does not discriminate between leaders and ordinary citizens when outbreaks occur.
Several newly elected leaders, including Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja and Masaka City Woman MP Rose Nalubowa, used the occasion to express concern over the chaos and irregularities that often characterize elections.
They urged those in power to reflect honestly on whether they were genuinely chosen by the people or imposed themselves through violence and bribery.
Joseph Ssewalwanga from Buddu County, representing the Buganda Kingdom, encouraged citizens not to lose faith in the electoral process, reminding them that good governance begins at the local level, not only with national leadership.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kyotera, Matia Kaggugube, appealed to parents to prioritize education and abandon the practice of marrying off young girls in exchange for wealth.
The Director of the Uganda Martyrs Guild in Masaka Diocese and parish priest of Kiziba Parish, Rev. Fr. Steven Kijjambu, who organized the 2026 pilgrimage, called on Christians to join the Uganda Martyrs groups and attend the weekly Tuesday Mass dedicated to the martyrs.
He also announced that preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage have been handed over to Manya Parish, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kiwanuka.
St. Yoanna Maria Kiwanuka Muzeeyi is revered as the patron saint of religious men and women, medical officers, and both large hospitals and small health centres, a legacy that continues to resonate strongly among the faithful.
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