Grace Nkansa
Jul 6, 2023
min
read

Ugandan Anglican Boston Community marks Martyrs' Day

The Ugandan Anglican Boston Community marks Martyrs' Day 2023
Copy link

Ugandan Anglican Christians residing in Boston, USA, gathered on June 25th, 2023, to observe the annual Pilgrimage to Ssande, known as Protestant Martyr's Day. This marked the second time the event has been held in Boston. The solemn occasion took place at All Saints Anglican Mission Church of Uganda, followed by a reception at American Legion 295 California St, Newton, MA.

Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale led the service, representing the West Buganda Diocese. Accompanied by his wife, Rev. Canon Julia Katumba, Bishop Katumba addressed the Ugandan Christians on the importance of unity and love among believers and to find joy despite challenges.

The recessional procession after the service
The recessional procession after the service

‍

In a sermon delivered in Luganda language, the predominant local language in Uganda, Bishop Katumba drew inspiration from Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kiwumulo. He acknowledged that both he and his wife were not born in Uganda but had lived in Namugongo, where they received their education and training. The bishop recounted the threats faced by soldiers guarding them and how they had managed to evade arrest. He also highlighted the significance of Archbishop Janan Luwum a well-known martyr. Luwum was killed by Ugandan former dictator Idi Amin Dada.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Boston for their hospitality, Bishop Katumba welcomed the congregation to their church, celebrating their 65 years of service in West Buganda. He asked Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them of the challenges faced by Ugandans in their daily lives. The bishop encouraged his listeners to support those in need, even while working abroad.

Bishop Katumba shed light on the sacrifices made by the martyrs honored in Namugongo in Uganda and encouraged Ugandans to remain faithful and emulate Christ's resilience in the face of persecution. He explained that the practices observed during the commemoration were not mere rituals but a means to spread the word of Christ.

In addition to the Martyr's Day observance, the community also celebrated Rev. Samwiri and Ruth Lukyamuzi, who marked 40 years of holy matrimony. The couple was recognized for their devotion and service to the church.


Overall, the event provided an opportunity for Ugandan Christians in Boston to come together, honor the martyrs, and strengthen their faith through unity and love.


Christians dance to traditional music after the Martyrs' day service
Christians dance to traditional music after the Martyrs' day service

Grace Nkansa is born Ugandan but now lives in the USA.




‍

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter
No spam. Just the latest releases, interesting articles, and exclusive interviews in your inbox every week.

More stories Read more

Uganda’s Nakaayi Runs World-Leading Time as She Preps For The Olympics

Nakaayi first came into the limelight when, as a 16-year-old, she won the 400 metres at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games held in Douglas, Isle of Man.
Jonathan Lukangi

The Invincible Financier

How Europe is Funding the North Africa to Curb the Migration Crisis.
S. Waziri Hassan

Tanzania's Data Protection and Border Reforms

Lessons from the Big Five's Security Protocols 
Mutayoba Arbogast

Africa’s Long-standing Athletics Contention between Kipchoge and Bekele expected to make history in Paris 2024.

41-year-old Kenenisa Bekele and Eliud Kipchoge aged 39 expected to take their athletic rivalry to yet another history-making level. The eminent History has fans allover Africa and the world excited and expectant.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

Ugandan Produce Shines in UAE

Creating New Wave of Economic Opportunities for Farmers and Exporters in the UAE.
Mutayoba Arbogast

Grammy award winning Artiste Stevie Wonder Receives Ghanaian citizenship

The multi-Grammy award winning artiste’s move to Ghana was backed by his Ghanaian citizenship which was officially issued to him through a citizenship certificate on his arrival to the West African Nation on Monday.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

You Must Come Back Home.

Ugandan Government Order Embassies in The Diaspora to Stop Replacing Passports.
S. Waziri Hassan

Returning Africa’s Looted Treasures - A Pipe Dream?

The fight to return Africa’s lost treasures has been going on at least since the 1960s, and Western museums have doggedly fought back against this.
Jonathan Lukangi

Uganda Named Africa’s Best Investment Destination at the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi U.A.E.

This follows the recognition of the various strategies by the investment agencies in the country to promote direct foreign investment through provision of an enabling environment upon which business thrives all while paying attention to climate change.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

Selling African Human Remains To The Highest Bidder

UK Auction House Slammed Over Sale of African Human Remains.
S. Waziri Hassan

Abraham Godson: Euro Financier Turned Goat Farmer - A Journey of Impact

In the annals of Nigerian history, John Abraham Godson's story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a non-wavering commitment to making a difference.
Mutayoba Arbogast

Blue Ivy Carter Lands Voice Role Alongside Her Mother Beyoncé In The Lion King Prequel Mufasa: The Lion King

Barry Jenkins on his chronicles with the souls and folk within the African diaspora as a dream come true through the prequel. 
Emmanuel Kwesiga

The African Gambit

Tunde Onakoya, the African chess giant sets a global record.
S. Waziri Hassan

Unveiling Truths and Tarnishing Images: The Dichotomy of Social Media Influence

The power of social media influencers like Kimambi to shape narratives and mobilize support cannot be underestimated. Yet, their actions can also inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and negative perceptions, painting a one-dimensional picture of countries struggling with complex issues.
Mutayoba Arbogast

Salim Abubakar’s Tales of Kenzera: Zau Unlatches a New Era of Video Game Story and Gameplay Experience

Reflecting upon the loss of his dad 10 years ago and his Kenyan heritage, Abu’s new game sets out to captivate its players with a deep story of grief and African Mythology and legends al bundled up in an engaging gameplay experience and high-end visual work. 
Emmanuel Kwesiga

UK Government Raise in the Minimum Income Requirements for Family Visas and Skilled Workers

Who will feel the pinch and how do families navigate these rough waters?
Emmanuel Kwesiga

When Africans in the USA Cease to be Africans

When Adele James, a mixed-race British actress, was cast as the last Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra in a TV series that ran on Netflix, the Egyptians complained. A government official went as far as to insist that Cleopatra was Greek, not black. A portion of the Egyptian population called for a boycott of the TV series.
Jonathan Lukangi

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir Breaks Women’s only world record In London: Wins the All women’s London Marathon 2024.

The athlete and Olympic champion Jepchirchir claimed her victory in women’s only world-record time of 2 hours:16minutes:16seconds in the London marathon.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

No Census for Ugandans in the diaspora

May 10th has been declared a public holiday in Uganda, and all those who would be deemed to have been in Uganda from midnight will be counted, according to Dr Mukiza.
Jonathan Lukangi

Travelling Solo as a Black Woman

Pelumi Nubi, born in Lagos Nigeria but grew up in London, decided to start her inspiring, daring voyage on January 24 from the UK, in her Peugeot 107. For over two months, the 29 year old travelled from city to city, country to country, experiencing different cultures and ambiance in 17 countries.
S. Waziri Hassan