Posted in The Uganda Martyrs Trail is a spiritual and historical journey that commemorates the Christian martyrs in Uganda who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith. This trail typically includes several key sites martyrs were particularly in and where killed from.
Munyonyo martyrs shrine
The Munyonyo Martyrs shrine is located in Munyonyo along salaam road 13 kms south of the central business city of Kampala. The shrine is a Roman Catholic shrine and a minor basilica dedicated to the Uganda Martyrs.The Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine is a prominent site of historical and religious significance dedicated to the memory of the Uganda Martyrs. The Uganda Martyrs were a group of 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their refusal to renounce their Christian faith under the orders of King Mwanga II. Kabaka Mwanga took the fateful decision to begin putting christians pageboys to death. The shrine was the starting point of the last journey of christians for their execution in Namugongo on 3rd of June 1886.
The christians were sentenced to death on 26th of May and condemned them began upon their walk to calvary. The journey was said to be for two days to Namugongo where they reached on 27th. However, some of these martyrs were killed from Munyonyo, others on the way but the majority were burnt in Namugongo on 3rd June 1886. Munyonyo martyrs shrine comprises three places all located in Munyonyo- Mulungu and Salaama -Kyamula. This is where the first three martyrs sacrificed their lives for the sake of christ. These were St. Andrew Kaggwa, St. Pontiano Ngondwe and St. Denis Ssebugwawo. Churches and chapels were built in these places of martyrdom.
The shrine is an important pilgrimage site especially during the annual celebration on June 3rd. Thousands of people travel to Munyonyo to pay their respects. Munyonyo martyrs shrine also plays a vital part of Uganda’s national identity and history highlighting the role of Christianity in the country. The shrine is accessible for both locals and tourists and regular masses are conducted. Religious retreats and guided tours are provided to the visitors providing deeper insights into the history of the Uganda Martyrs.
Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo
Uganda martyrs shrine is a Roman Catholic minor basilica that was dedicated to the Uganda martyrs who were killed for their Christian faith in the late 19th century. The shrine is located in Namugongo, Wakiso district 18 kms northeast of the central business district Kampala. The Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo stands as a profound symbol of faith, sacrifice, and national identity for Ugandans and Catholics around the world. The Namugongo shrine was built between 1965 and 1968 accommodating around 1000 catholics. The shrine represents 22 catholics and 23 anglicans who were executed on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II.
The methods of execution were brutal, often involving burning, spearing, and other forms of torture. The martyrs were primarily young pages in the royal court, some of whom were converts to Christianity. They resisted the king’s demands to renounce their faith, which led to their persecution. In 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 martyrs, recognizing their sacrifices as a testament to their faith. Their feast day is celebrated on June 3rd. The shrine was constructed on the spot where St.Kizito and St. Charles Lwanga was burnt to death. The modern church was built in the shape of a cross and completed in 2015. It includes stained glass windows depicting the martyrs’ stories. There is also a smaller chapel and grounds that include a museum which was dedicated to the martyrs, educational facilities, and spaces for reflection and prayer.
Namugongo Martyrs shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially on June 3rd, which is a national holiday in Uganda. Pilgrims from all over the country and beyond come to pray and commemorate the martyrs.The pilgrims involve prayer services, processions and various religious activities. Besides the annual feast day, the shrine hosts various events throughout the year, for instance interfaith dialogues, retreats, and workshops. Those visiting the place, the site is accessible to both local and international visitors with signs and information available in multiple languages. The shrine also provides accommodation and guided tours to visitors.
St. Matia Mulumba parish Old Kampala
St. Matia Mulumba Parish is a prominent Catholic parish located in Old Kampala 2 km from Kampala central division. The parish is named after St. Matia Mulumba, one of the Ugandan martyrs. The parish was built at the exact location where the martyr was executed from. Established in the early 20th century, the church features traditional elements combined with modern design. Inside the church includes beautiful stained glass, murals, and religious icons that enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
St. Matia Mulumba Parish offers regular Mass services, sacraments, and special liturgical celebrations, particularly during important Catholic feasts. The parish runs several programs aimed at educating and empowering the local community, including adult education and catechesis for children. Social outreach initiatives support vulnerable populations, providing assistance and resources to those in need.The parish also participates in various community development initiatives, including education, health care, and youth programs. The parish often attracts pilgrims, especially during the feast of St. Matia Mulumba and other significant liturgical events. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass, participate in community events, or explore the church and its surroundings.
Katoosa catholic martyrs shrine
Katoosa catholic martyrs shrine is located in Katoosa parish Kyenjojo district 2 kms off Kyenjojo- Kagadi highway. The parish is where St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa was abducted. The parish is also known as Katoosa martyrs villa, an evil place full of rocks and Katoosa parish shrine. The shrine was established in the 1960s by messenger Francis Kibira under Uganda Episcopal conference instructions. Later he passed his work to Messenger Kaijanabyo Hilarious who bought the land from the traditionalists who were using the place for traditional rituals. Katoosa shrine has more than 30 stones of 15 feet tall.
The Uganda Catholic church consecrated the land and the rocks bear paintings and portraits of the Uganda martyrs who were killed from Namugongo. Their names, age, where they were killed from and how they were killed is also included. Other inscriptions and paintings on rocks include; Kabaka Mwanga’s seat, Jesus’s tomb and Bethlehem. Every year on January 27th there is an annual celebration for St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa. Pilgrims from different catholic dioceses like Mbarara, Kabale, Kasese, Fort Portal and Hoima gather to participate in the celebration.
St Balikuddembe catholic church
St. Balikuddembe Catholic church often referred to as the Old Kampala Church located in Mengo Kisenyi parish near St Balikuddembe market. St. Balikuddembe Catholic Parish, is named after St. Joseph Balikuddembe, one of the Uganda Martyrs whose death spot was within this parish. St. Joseph Balikuddembe is one of the 22 Catholic Martyrs of Uganda who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for their refusal to renounce Christianity.
Balikuddembe was a Muganda who served as a page of Kabaka Muteesa I and continued as a majordomo to Kabaka Mwanga II. He was born in Mawokota County in 1861 and was martyred on November 15, 1885 at Nakivubo at the age of approximately 26. His execution marked the beginning of the Ugandan Martyrs’ saga. Balikuddembe is often regarded as the first of the Catholic martyrs. He was baptized on April 30, 1882 by Fr. Lourdel Simeon Mapeera.
During the absence of the Catholic Missionaries, the Church booted with Joseph as its leader, he had a healthy look, bright, intelligent and tall for his age. The parish is known for three martyrs bearing tombs of ; St. Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, St. John Mary Kiwanuka Muzeeyi and St. Athanasius Bazekuketta. The church was established in the early 20th century, reflecting the growth of Catholicism in Uganda following the arrival of missionaries. St. Balikuddembe Church is a central place of worship for local Catholics. It offers regular Mass, sacraments such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals, as well as community activities.
