The Archbishop of Gulu, Rt. Rev John Baptist Odama has expressed concern over government’s shrinking motivation on contributing towards the organization of the Uganda Martyrs day celebrations.
Responding to questions from the journalists during the final briefing on the preparations for this year’s celebration, His Grace Odama says that they had expected almost a billion shillings or a half of the budget as a contribution from government but were surprised that it managed to send in only UGX80m.
Few years ago, government gazetted and elevated the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo as national tourist sites to the international level of pilgrimage sites and also committed its self to always take part in activities of commemorating the Martyrs day on every June 3rd.
Gulu Archdiocese, the animator of this year’s celebrations budgeted UGX900M for the organization which is yet to be fully raised with almost 40 percent of the balance.
However, Odama welcomes the contribution from government, the public and other sectors urging those with pledges to honor them to enable the church realize the essential items budgeted for the success of the event.
Meanwhile, He reemphasized on discouraging the use of Kaveera at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine during the forthcoming Martyrs day cerebration.