The Namugongo martyrs shrine is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda that were martyred by the King of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887. The Namugongo Martyr’s shrine is situated in central Uganda, in Kira Municipality Wakiso district approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Kampala city. The Namugongo Martyr’s shrines were first recognized by the Late Joshua Serufusa-Zake when he was the Sabaddu of Kira Sub-county from 1827-1985. He is known to have constructed the first structure at the Namugongo site where it appears shrines were built later for prayers. The Uganda Martyr’s shrine also known as the Basilica was then constructed from 1967 to 3rd June 1975 when it was formally completed and opened by the special Papal Envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli. The Basilica was beautified with a unique interior and exterior most importantly notable for its shape and architectural plan. This majestic building was designed with 22 copper pillars that are over 100feet long that represent the 22 catholic martyrs that were killed in cold blood for refusing to denounce their religion. With its pillars for support, the Basilica was built in form of an African hut with its wooden doors that depict the history of the martyrs. This Basilica has a sitting capacity of up to 1000 seats arranged in a circular form. The Namugongo Martyr’s shrine was elevated to a rank of minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he made his pilgrimage to Namugongo on 7th February 1993 during his six days visit to Uganda. Out of the 22 catholic Uganda Martyrs that were killed between 1885 and 1887 by Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda, 13 of them were killed and burnt to death at Namugongo. It is known that there are other two catholic martyrs that were speared to death in northern Uganda in Gulu in October 1918 which makes the total number of Catholic Martyrs to 24 martyrs. There are also other Anglican Uganda Martyrs that were killed with the Catholic martyrs by King Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887 making a total of 45 Uganda Martyrs. While paying tribute to the 22 Catholic martyrs, Pope Paul IV also paid tribute to the Anglican Martyrs in his homily at the canonization. Therefore all these Uganda Martyrs are honored on the 3rd June of every year which is also the best time to visit the Namugongo Martyr’s shrines. Many of these Uganda Martyrs were pages in the Kabaka’s Palace while others were working in Chiefs’ homesteads as security guards, shamba boys and many other roles. These men were recruited into the Kabaka’s Palace by their own families where each family selected well behaved hard working boys to go and work for the King which was so prestigious to work in the Palace and a sign of showing loyalty to the King. After the coming of both the Anglican and Catholic missionaries in 1877 and 1879 respectively having been invited 1875 by Kabaka Muteesa I the father of Kabaka Mwanga, the current martyrs started to learn the religion. Kabaka Mwanga started becoming angry with them as well as other Christians since they refused to obey and give in to his sinful demands. Kabaka Mwanga thereafter ordered for a number of Christians to be brought before him on the 25th of May 1886 where he passed on them the death sentence and penalties. The first Martyr to die was the King’s major domo and leader of all Christians known as Joseph Mukasa Balikudembe who was killed on 15th November 1885. Balikudembe was killed because he had pleaded to Kabaka Mwanga to abandon the act of homosexuality and not to kill Bishop Hannington, an Anglican missionary who had accessed Buganda from Busoga. Of the 22 Catholic Martyrs, 20 of them are known to have been killed between 26th May 1886 and 3rd June 1886. Some of these Martyrs were cut into pieces while others were speared to death and 13 others burnt alive at Namugongo. Some were beheaded for example John Maria Muzeeyi whose body was thrown into a swamp. John Maria Muzeeyi was the last Martyr of the 22 catholic Uganda Martyrs to be killed on the 27th of January 1887. The 22 Catholic Uganda Martyrs include Achilles Kiwanuka, Ponsiano Nondwe, Noah Mawagali, Mukasa Kiriwawanvu, Mbaga Tuzinde, Mugagga, Matia Mulumba, Luka Baanabakintu, Joseph Mukasa Balikudembe, Kizito, John Maria Muzeeyi, James Buuzabalyawo, Gonzaga
Gonzalez, Gyaviira, Denis Sebuggwawo, Bruno Sserunkuuma, Charles Lwanga, Antanansio Bazzekuketta, Andrew Kaggwa, Anatoli Kiriggwajjo, Adolphus Ludigo-Mukasa and Ambrose Kibuuka.
Attractions at Namugongo martyr’s shrine
The Uganda Martyrs Basilica
The Basilica is also commonly known as the Uganda Martyr’s shrine which is also a circular church of about 42 meters diameter inspired by the looks of an African traditional hut which is the first of its own in Africa. It has 22 pillars made of seamless steel each representing one of the Ugandan Catholic Martyrs. A dome of steel and double-glazed stained glass installed with thermal insulation, standing at nine meters high from the roof. This Uganda Martyrs Basilica has a seating capacity of approximately 1000 people organized in a circular form. This astonishing building features beautiful stained-glass windows and engravings on the wooden doors depicting the lives and details of the Uganda Martyrs. Its alter is situated at the exact spot where St. Charles Lwanga was burnt alive and below the alter, there is a red light symbolizing martyrdom and a glass containing a first-class relic (bone) of St. Charles Lwanga. This Catholic Basilica is therefore a significant destination for religious tourism attracting pilgrims as well as tourists seeking spiritual experiences, cultural and historical immersions. It also serves as a central gathering place for religious services including masses and other liturgical ceremonies and celebrations.
The Uganda Martyrs museum
This is a significant historical and religious site that commemorates the brave Uganda Martyrs that sacrificed their lives for their Christian faith. The museum stands at the base where execution of these innocent souls took place. The museum holds deep religious and cultural significance for Ugandans as well as other believers drawing pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. The museum preserves and showcases the rich history and the inspiring story of the Uganda Martyrs. It also allows visitors to learn about the events leading up to the martyrdom, the enduring impact of the martyrs as well as their lives. Visitors can also explore the engaging exhibits which feature art crafts, artworks, sculptures, artifacts, historical documents and photographs related to the Uganda Martyrs. This museum is also a testament to the enduring power of faith and the indomitable spirit of the martyrs that stood firm for their belief and faith.
The lake
This is a man-made lake at the Namugongo martyrs shrine that was excavated in memory of St. Charles Lwanga’s work as a page in Kabaka Mwanga’s Palace when he spearheaded the excavation of the prominent Kabaka’s lake in Mengo. This Lake is the central feature of the Namugongo Martyr’s shrine with an island in the middle that serves as an alter during celebrations like the Uganda Martyr’s day celebrations. Many pilgrims draw water from this lake and others make long journeys from various parts of the country and other neighboring countries specifically to fetch this water believing it to be holy and possessing healing and spiritual powers. This Lake also features a pavilion which is grass-thatched, in a circular form erected on the island on the lake known to accommodate up to 300 priests and bishops during major Christian celebrations.
Activities at the Namugongo martyr’s shrine
Guided tour of the catholic shrine
This is a 1 to 2 hours Christian experiential tour around the Namugongo Martyr’s shrine. This activity is led and initiated by an onsite experienced and professional local guide that takes visitors around while giving them detailed information about this religious site. This is always in details about both the 22 Uganda Catholic Martyrs as well as the 23 Anglican Martyrs in brief. Visits are made to the Martyrs’ sculptures and art pieces, museum, Basilica, the lake and different pavilions and many others where visitors get a historical and the religious touch of the Uganda Martyrs as well as their dedication to Christianity and faith.
Best time to visit the Namugongo Martyr’s shrine
The Namugongo Martyr’s shrine are open for visits all year round more so for tourists seeking historical and religious experience. For believers and those wishing to make pilgrimages to the Namugongo Martyr’s shrine, prepare to reach this place a few days to 3rd June of every year before the place is overcrowded to full capacity since it hosts pilgrims from all over the continent and the world at large. You can combine a visit at Namugongo with a visit to Source of the Nile at Jinja or Sipi falls in Kapchorwa.
