September 9 will be remembered in Uganda as Entebbe International Airport was the scene of a moving ceremony marking the return of the relics of two Ugandan martyrs, Karoli Lwanga and Matthias Mulumba, after more than sixty years of absence. This long-awaited return was welcomed by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, in the presence of government dignitaries, in a ceremony laden with symbolism and emotion.
These relics, silent witnesses to the supreme sacrifice of the Ugandan martyrs executed between 1885 and 1887, were fervently collected by Christians at the very places where these men sealed their faith with their blood. After a long journey through the vicissitudes of history, these precious remains have finally returned to the country, a land that has never forgotten the courage and determination of its martyred children.
The exhibition planned at the Uganda Martyrs University, which will host these relics from September 14 to October 31, is particularly important during this period of commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Ugandan martyrs. This historic event will allow Ugandans of all faiths to reflect on these living testimonies of faith and devotion, and to reconnect with an essential part of their collective history.
Professor Derek Peterson of the University of Michigan, involved in coordinating this exhibition, rightly underlines the importance of these relics in the process of canonization of the martyrs. Their return to Uganda marks a new chapter in the recognition and valorization of the spiritual legacy left by these men of indomitable courage.
Archbishop Ssemogerere, in a poignant speech, recalled the profound significance of this event for the Ugandan nation: these martyrs, through their sacrifice, embodied the values of self-denial and fidelity to their convictions, thus offering a universal example of courage and determination.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, stressed the importance of this restitution of the relics as an invitation to a collective reflection on the past and on the values that form the basis of national identity. He evoked, with rare accuracy, the possibility of demanding symbolic reparations for this long separation from these sacred remains, symbol of a tormented but rich history.
In short, the return of the relics of the Ugandan martyrs to their native land symbolizes much more than a simple act of restitution: it marks a return to the sources, an awakening of consciences and a celebration of the spiritual heritage left by these exceptional men and women. As we contemplate these relics, we are invited to question our own relationship to faith, courage, freedom of choice and loyalty to our deepest convictions.. These martyrs, far from belonging only to history, remain timeless guides for an entire nation in search of meaning and authentic values.
In this period of celebration and meditation, Ugandans are invited to an inner journey, a deep introspection, in the light of these poignant testimonies of an unwavering faith and an unwavering commitment. May the relics of the Ugandan martyrs continue to inspire present and future generations, and guide the destiny of a people attached to their spiritual and cultural heritage.