MTN Backs Lugazi Diocese With Shs15m, safety Gear for Martyrs Day

MTN Uganda has donated Shs15 million and 500 reflector jackets to Lugazi Diocese as part of its support for the 2025 Catholic Martyrs Day celebrations, set to take place in Namugongo.

The handover took place on Thursday, May 15, at the diocesan offices, where Msgr Richard Kayondo, Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese, received the contribution on behalf of the organising committee.

This year, Lugazi Diocese is leading preparations on the Catholic side for the annual event that draws millions of pilgrims from Uganda and beyond in remembrance of the Uganda Martyrs—22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.

In addition to the financial support, MTN Uganda handed over 500 reflector jackets to be distributed to volunteer teams and groups walking in pilgrimage to Namugongo, a move aimed at enhancing road safety during the long journey to the shrine.

Speaking at the event, MTN Uganda’s regional business manager for Greater Central, Ronald Ddamulira, said the telecom is committed to promoting faith and community through such contributions.

“At MTN, we believe in the power of unity and faith. Our contribution today reaffirms our commitment to stand with the Catholic community as they organise this important spiritual event,” Ddamulira said.

“Through the MoMo code 702977, we’re also making it easier for everyone to participate in this year’s celebrations—because together our faith is unstoppable.”

The new MoMo code (702977) will serve as a public channel for individuals and organisations to support Lugazi Diocese’s preparations. MTN pledged to promote the code widely across its platforms to encourage public participation.

Msgr Richard Kayondo welcomed MTN’s gesture and urged others to follow suit.

“We are grateful to MTN Uganda for walking with us on this sacred journey,” he said. “This support will go a long way in helping us prepare for a successful Martyrs Day celebration, and we invite all people of goodwill to contribute through the MoMo code 702977.”

MTN Uganda has for years supported both the Catholic and Anglican commemorations of Martyrs Day, alternating its contributions between dioceses taking lead roles in a given year.

This year’s Anglican celebrations will be led by the Northern Cluster dioceses, and MTN said plans are underway for a similar donation to support their preparations.

Martyrs Day is one of Uganda’s most significant religious events, drawing local and international pilgrims to Namugongo, where a basilica and several shrines stand in honour of the fallen converts.

The telecom giant said it views such events not only as spiritual milestones but also as opportunities to promote national unity and shared values.

MTN Uganda’s intervention reflects its broader corporate social responsibility agenda.

The company serves over 20 million subscribers and offers a wide range of digital, financial, and telecom services through a network spanning all 134 districts of Uganda.

As the 2025 Martyrs Day approaches, MTN reaffirmed its commitment to fostering communal faith journeys and ensuring that pilgrims are supported both spiritually and practically.