UMU Day

Forty-three years ago today, during the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI canonized 22 young men who were martyred for their faith. Charles Lwanga and the other Ugandan Martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887. There were 45 who were known to be killed--22 were Catholic the rest Anglican. It is suspected there were many others, but their names are unknown. The Uganda Martyrs have been called the seeds of faith in Africa. After their deaths Christianity did grow rapidly in Uganda. Depending on your taste for blood and guts, you can click on the Uganda Martyrs link and find all the gross and gory details of their deaths.

Fifteen years ago today, Uganda Martyrs University began. It was small--two departments and 84 students.

Today we had a celebration. The retired Cardinal Archbishop of Kampala came to say mass and hang around for all the festivities. There were processions and speeches and dancing. Oh yeah, Barclay's Bank officially opened their Nkozi branch on campus. Interesting mix of events.

The dancing was cool. There were four dance groups--three traditional; one from the north, one Buganda and one Burundi. One was hip-hop and popular kinds of stuff. This included a Michael Jackson imitation of Thriller, crotch grabbing and all. The young woman who did it was quite convincing. All were well done. The students were the dancers. Some of the students I know in other settings, but I had never seen them dance. Sometimes people from the audience would join in if it was their local dance. It wasn't so much a performance as a celebration. It was fun.

No, I didn't dance. I don't have a good enough sense of rhythm to dance. Bry'Chell won't even let me clap to keep time, she says I embarrass her.