By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
As the country prepares to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day on June 3, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called for deep national reflection and a renewed commitment to justice, faith, and good governance.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters on Wednesday, UPC Spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon stressed the need to honor the legacy of the martyrs through moral leadership and inclusive development.
The annual Martyrs Day is commemorated on June 3rd, celebrating the sacrifice of dozens of Christian converts who were executed in 1886 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda for refusing to renounce their new faiths.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Walking in the footsteps of the martyrs for a faithful journey,” UPC questioned the nation’s moral and political trajectory.
“While we join the Christian community in celebrating this sacred day,” said Arach, “we must also take stock of our journey as a people, society, and government. Are we truly walking in the footsteps of the martyrs or have we strayed far from their ideals?”
Arach criticized Uganda’s governance, citing rampant corruption, land evictions, youth unemployment, poor service delivery, and the lack of electoral and constitutional reforms since multiparty politics returned in 2006.
“There is too much selfishness and greed that has led to primitive accumulation of wealth. Our brothers and sisters are suffering, yet those in authority remain unresponsive,” she said. “The political space is shrinking, and violence has become a dangerous norm.”
Poiting out the recent youth unrests in neighbouring Kenya, Arach warned against continued marginalization of youth and women in the country which she claims could ignite economic and political unrests.
“The youths may decide to rise as a new generation of martyrs, demanding their rights. We must not repeat the painful experiences seen in neighboring Kenya,” she cautioned.
In addition, Arach decried the crumbling infrastructure and underfunded public services as evidence of governance failure.
“Roads collapse before their lifespan ends, hospitals are understaffed and lack essential drugs, and schools remain underfunded. This is not the journey our martyrs envisioned.”
Arach urged leaders and citizens to make Uganda and Africa a better place that works for everyone.
