Catholic Church Marks 146th Anniversary with Prayers for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Other Political Prisoners

The Catholic Church in Uganda dedicated its 146th anniversary Mass to praying for the release of former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and other detainees still held in prison despite a Supreme Court ruling against their trial in the General Court Martial.

The Mass, held at Kigungu in Entebbe—the site where the first Catholic missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel and Brother Amans Delmas, arrived on February 17, 1879—was led by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere. In his sermon, Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the government to act with compassion and allow Dr. Besigye to access specialized medical care.

“As we commemorate the journey of faith that started with the arrival of the first missionaries, we also remember those who are suffering injustices today. We pray for all detainees, especially Dr. Besigye, that they may receive fair treatment and their rights be respected,” he said.

The faithful gathered at the historic site joined in prayers, emphasizing that justice and human dignity must prevail. Many voiced concerns over the deteriorating health of Dr. Besigye, who has been held at Luzira prison since his arrest last year.

The two missionaries honored during the anniversary belonged to the White Fathers Society and played a pivotal role in establishing Catholicism in Uganda. Their legacy of faith and service, church leaders said, should inspire efforts to uphold justice and human rights in the country.

As pressure mounts on the government to release political detainees, the Catholic Church’s call adds to the growing voices demanding that the rule of law be respected and that no Ugandan should suffer unlawful detention.