Ugandans are joining millions of Christians all over the world today, March 5, 2025 to mark Ash Wednesday, a day that kick starts the 40 day journey of Lent, spiritual reflection, fasting and preparation for Easter. As we start this journey, we are called to self introspection, repentance and renewal, to deepen our faith and strengthen our values.

In Uganda, Christians have been flocking to places of worship to pray on Ash Wednesday. A call to repentance and utilitarianism is strongly being made by religious leaders, as spritiual renewal is also greatly urged by the Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok. Dr. Rev. Can. Rebecca Nyegenye, the provost of All Saints Cathedral, held the Ash Wednesday service at her cathedral and encouraged the members of her congregation to be known by their fruits.

Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of the Lira Diocese has previously also stressed the need to renew oneself sprituality as Lent is starting rituals, seeking social justice, and caring for the environment. During this period, he remarked, deeper self-analysis and self-fulfillment of God’s will is required.

Fasting is one of the ways that Ash Wednesday is typically marked and the ashes from last year’s Palm Sunday are the source of the ashes which serve as a symbol of the dust we are made. A lot of Christians actively partake in this custom of putting the ashes on their foreheads in praise of showing death which symbolizes their mortality.

Christians are asked to pray, fast, and give alms during the onset of Lent in order to strengthen their faith. The 40 days are meant for reflection and self-enhancement.