📷 Justice Bamugemereire thrills as Martyrs choral singing competition kicks off

Get ready everybody!

It is time to get fresh music as Vision Group lines up choirs from all corners of Uganda to showcase their talent and musical prowess.

Thanks to the generous support of the First Lady, Equity Bank, Crown beverages and organisers Vision Group, the music from this competition will be freely availed to the public through any of the 300 radios and 40 TV stations in the country which are willing to air it.

The highly anticipated Martyrs’ Choral Singing Competition aims to celebrate the diverse choral traditions of Catholic and Anglican communities, offering a captivating showcase of harmony and talent.

June 3, 2024, is set aside in honour of the martyrdom of 45 young Christians who were killed over their faith between 1885 and 1887 on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II.

The determination of the Uganda Martyrs to die for their faith taught the surviving Christians in Uganda to endure all sorts of persecutions and suffering during the spread of the gospel hence leading to the growth of Christianity.

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Launching the choral singing competition, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire thanked Vision Group for being the first to think about such a wonderful innovation expected to unite the Catholics and Anglicans.

“We remember the martyrs for the heroic acts of giving up their lives. Martyrs' Day differentiates us from those who do not believe in God. Their deaths were the beginning of exponential growth of the church and the Christian faith in Uganda and remembering them rekindles our faith and hope and emboldened us,” Bamugemereire said.

Justice Catherine Bamugemereire singing with the Rwenzori Kampala Fellowship choir.

Bamugemereire noted that days of reembrace of the martyrs through music are one of immortalising the contribution of what their sacrifice means to us.

“May our shared values of fervent faith, fellowship, unity, integrity, innovation, healthy competition, humility and service above self be brought to bear in this national martyrs choir singing competition,” she said.

RELATED STORY: Here's how to enter Martyrs’ Choral Singing Competition 2024

It was a beautiful moment when the choir joined the Lady Justice to launch the competition. Though she did not play her guitar, as a music lover sang with the Rwenzori Kampala Fellowship choir and they thrilled the audience with the “I pledge allegiance" worship song.

(L-R) Bishop Jackson Matovu, Chairman of Uganda Martyrs Museum Development Committee, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereirwe. and Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, Bishop of Namirembe Diocese during the event.

Kyoga Hall at the Kampala Serena Hotel felt like a chapel. Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu, the chairperson of the Uganda Martyrs Museum Development Committee, prayed for the event and blessed the entire choral competition.

Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu, who represented Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere, said he is glad that in Uganda there is still concern for values, values the Martyrs of Uganda shed their blood.

“In Uganda, we have many ethnic groupings and forging unity from the many is not easy. Recent times have also seen the separation and proliferation of many Pentecostal churches besides us here the Catholic and Anglican. So, when there is a move to bring unity among the Christian Believers it is a very welcome move,” Ssemusu said.

Ssemusu noted that as a country, to be free, ensure our rights and liberties, remain independent and patriotic and remain a sovereign state we need to learn from the martyrs of Uganda in their readiness to sacrifice everything to hold unto the good they would not in any way compromise to.

Addressing guests, Moses Banja, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese who represented the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, called upon Ugandans not to fear to follow Jesus Christ because he is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through him.

About competition

According to project manager Max Adii, the competition started today (May 2, 2024), with submissions accepted from choirs starting immediately.

“Choirs interested in participating are encouraged to submit their performance videos via WhatsApp to 0776 877 528 starting Thursday, May 2, 2024. All Anglican and Catholic choirs, regardless of location in Uganda, are invited to take part in this prestigious event,” Adii, who doubles as the Wanluo Station Manager, said.

Adii noted that the deadline for submission is Sunday, May 12, 2024.

“A distinguished panel of judges, comprising both Catholics and Anglicans, will preside over the competition. Recognising the unique nuances of each tradition, the judging will be conducted separately for Anglican and Catholic choirs. This will ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, with each judge bringing their expertise and understanding of their respective musical traditions to the table,” Adii said.

According to Adii, the Martyrs’ Choral Singing Competition "prioritises transparency and fairness in its judging process.

“By recognising the distinct contributions of Anglican and Catholic choirs, this competition celebrates diversity while fostering a spirit of inclusivity within the musical community," Adii noted.

Prize money

In recognition of their outstanding performances, the winning Catholic and Anglican choirs will each receive a generous prize of shillings 10 million.

The first runners-up from each side will be awarded shillings five million, while the second runners-up will receive three million.