The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has proposed that Rev. Godfrey Bazira, a former principal of Namugongo seminary, be considered for recognition as a saint, citing his sacrifice and historical role in protecting students during a violent period in Uganda’s history.
Speaking while reflecting on the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs and other figures linked to Namugongo, Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted Bazira as an overlooked martyr-like figure whose story deserves greater theological attention and public recognition.
Rev. Godfrey Bazira, who served as principal of the seminary at Namugongo, was reportedly killed on May 24, 1984, after he attempted to shield students during an attack attributed to the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA).
He was among about 100 people killed in the violence that unfolded in the area during that period.
According to accounts referenced in historical church archives, Bazira confronted armed forces who accused students of being rebels, insisting on their innocence. He was subsequently shot and died on the spot while trying to protect them.
Archbishop Kaziimba noted that Bazira’s remains were laid to rest within the Namugongo area, adding that his story forms part of a deeper and often underrepresented layer of Uganda’s religious and political history tied to the site.
He also pointed to testimonies preserved by church historians, including Bishop Misairi Kawuma, which document the events surrounding the killings and the individuals who survived, among them several church leaders and families affected by the violence.
The Archbishop emphasized that Bazira’s actions reflected extraordinary courage and pastoral sacrifice, urging theologians and church authorities to formally examine whether his life and death meet the criteria for sainthood consideration within the Church of Uganda tradition.
The proposal is expected to spark further discussion within ecclesiastical circles as the Church continues to reflect on modern figures whose lives mirror the spirit of sacrifice associated with the Uganda Martyrs.
ENDS.
