The Uganda Prisons Service, alongside the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force, united with the faithful at the Uganda Catholic Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo to commemorate the third day of the Patron Saint Day.
This annual celebration, held from May 25 to June 2 annually, honors the courage and faith of the Uganda Martyrs, who stood as pillars of strength amid persecution between 1885 and 1887.
Under the theme "Oh, Lord, Let me see again; I, Your Pilgrim of Hope," derived from Mark 10:51, the day’s events spotlighted three revered martyrs: St. Ponsiano Ngondwe, St. Gonzaga Gonza, and St. Bruno Sserunkuuma. These saints, among the 45 young men executed under King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christian faith, were celebrated for their extraordinary lives and sacrifices.
The day began at 5:00 PM with a spirited procession from Naalya, a few kilometers from the shrine, led by Mr. Samuel Akena, Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, and the Uganda Prisons Band. Prison Officers marched with precision, pride, and uniformity, drawing crowds along the route as businesses paused to witness this display of discipline and devotion.
Upon arriving at the Namugongo Shrine, a Mass commenced, filled with songs of worship and praise led by the Church Choir and the Prisons Band.
The Chief Pilgrim, the Inspector General of Police, was represented by AIGP Hadija Namutebi, Director of Welfare, Production, and Sports. She led a team of senior and junior police officers, joining their
