“So as the Church, we are saying we must repent, and this regime should stop corruption and should go beyond just catching one person… “Bishop Wanok said. He added “And it is not only one person: the whole system should be reshuffled, so that it becomes the image of the blood of the martyrs of Uganda. If we don’t, the blood of the martyrs will uproot the sins and it will never serve Uganda”.
By Denish Ongora
LIRA CITY – 3rd June 2026. The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called for a complete reshuffling of Uganda’s corrupt system, warning that corruption has brought shame to the country and threatens the future of young people.
While leading Uganda Martyrs Day Mass at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira, Bishop Wanok said the Uganda Martyrs accepted death instead of sin and remained courageous because they were anchored in righteousness and holiness.
He said Saint Charles Lwanga encouraged fellow believers to remain strong in faith, adding that leaders today should fight sin, unite people, support the weak and seek the interests of citizens instead of personal gain.
The bishop described corruption as a major shame to Uganda and the world, warning that if not addressed, it would continue destroying society and future generations.
Wanok said many leaders have become consumed by money and corruption, making society believe wealth is the true source of power. He noted that the real power of leaders, ministers, MPs and judges should be reflected in improving the lives of vulnerable people suffering in villages.
The bishop called for repentance and a complete reshuffling of the system by the regime, saying corruption is not committed by one person alone and should not be addressed by targeting only individuals.
“So as the Church, we are saying we must repent, and this regime should stop corruption and should go beyond just catching one person… “Bishop Wanok said. He added “And it is not only one person: the whole system should be reshuffled, so that it becomes the image of the blood of the martyrs of Uganda. If we don’t the blood of the martyrs will uproot the sins and it will never serve Uganda”.
He warned that the blood of the martyrs would continue condemning sin in the country if leaders fail to repent and reform the system. Wanok also urged young people not to pay bribes for jobs, saying they would rather lose opportunities than embrace corruption.
Meanwhile, representing government at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, the Minister of Public Service, General Katumba Wamala, called on Ugandans to embrace sacrifice, unity and hard work for national development.
Katumba said the Uganda Martyrs sacrificed their lives because of faith while many citizens today fail to sacrifice even small portions of land for community projects such as roads. He also urged Ugandans to put aside political, tribal and religious differences following the recently concluded elections and work together for the country’s progress.
The minister further called for stronger action against corruption, saying public resources must be protected and used responsibly for service delivery.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, said the Uganda Martyrs remained united in Christ despite tribal and denominational differences, noting that both Anglican and Catholic martyrs were killed and buried together.
Kazimba said the martyrs broke barriers of tribe and region, noting that they came from different communities including Baganda, Banyoro, Basoga and Acholi. He urged Ugandans to reject tribal hatred and discrimination, saying some citizens are denied jobs because of tribe, region and social status.
The Archbishop also called on the 12th Parliament to establish a national health insurance scheme and suggested that part of Uganda’s oil revenues should support treatment of cancer and other critical illnesses.
During the celebrations, the Chairman of Uganda Christian University Council and Bishop of the diocese of Lango, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, commended Uganda Christian University for contributing one billion shillings toward the maintenance and beautification of the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs site.
Olwa praised the university team led by David Mugawe for properly managing the resources and maintaining accountability during the works, adding that the site must continue to be maintained for future generations of pilgrims.
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