President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged full government support to develop Bugonza Shrine in Kaliro District into a religious tourism site, highlighting the shrine’s historical and spiritual significance as the birthplace of Uganda Martyr St. Gonzaga Gonza.
Speaking as Chief Pilgrim during the national celebrations of St. Gonzaga Gonza Day, President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Uganda’s religious heritage through strategic investment in martyr-related sites.
The ceremony, hosted by Jinja Catholic Diocese at Bugonza Shrine, drew thousands of faithful and was marked by prayer, reflection, and a strong message of national unity through shared history.
The President emphasized the government’s longstanding support for Martyrs Day commemorations and revealed plans to equally prioritize other significant sites, including Kyebando in Mayuge (birthplace of Matia Mulumba) and Kyando in Mayuge, where Bishop Hannington was martyred.
“Developing this site here will be done. I discussed with the priests, and I told them what shall be done here at Bugonza and also at Matia Mulumba’s place at Kyebando and the one of Bishop Hannington in Kyando because all these people are important and capture the sentiment of our people,” Museveni stated.
He reminded the public that it was under his leadership that Martyrs Day, celebrated every 3rd of June, was declared a public holiday ensuring nationwide participation in honoring Uganda’s religious martyrs.
Beyond the spiritual significance, Museveni used the platform to launch major pledges toward infrastructure and economic development within the diocese. He committed Shs950 million to the completion of a Minor Seminary in Iganga, Shs300 million to support the Jinja Diocese Priests’ SACCO, and another Shs300 million to complete a commercial building in Kamuli District.
The President further announced that the government would fully fund the completion of Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Jinja, commending the diocese for prudent financial management. He noted that the Church had saved from previous government allocations to initiate the hospital’s construction—an effort he described as commendable stewardship.
Turning to national development, Museveni urged Christians to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a pathway out of poverty. He addressed concerns about mismanagement of PDM funds, reiterating the importance of proper monitoring and the potential long-term impact of consistent investment in parishes.
“Every part of Uganda has a parish and we’re sending Shs100 million each year. In five years, that will be Shs500 million. If managed well, these parishes will be transformed,” Museveni said, highlighting how recovered funds will multiply community capital.
The President’s visit to Bugonza marks a renewed push to merge cultural, religious, and economic development, as Uganda positions its martyrdom heritage as both a national identity pillar and a driver of domestic tourism.
