The Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo was formerly a place of execution of all people who committed grave offences in the kingdom of Buganda. It is here that the Uganda Martyrs offered their life to Christ on the orders of king Mwanga in 1886, having refused to denounce their Christian faith. The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is well known for its beautiful and unique interior and exterior, but it is especially notable for its shape and architectural plan: the 22 copper pillars-over 100 feet long that support the shrine built in form of an African hut and its wooden doors that depict the history of the Martyrs.
The Shrine has a capacity 1000 seats arranged in a circular form. The construction of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine began in 1967. It was completed and formally opened by the special Papal envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli on 3rd June 1975. When Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to Namugongo on February 7, 1993, during his six -day visit to Uganda (5th -10th February 1993), he elevated the Shrine to a rank of a minor Basilica.
Every year on 3rd June, people flock in Tens and thousands to honor and pray to God through the intercession of the twenty two Uganda Martyrs and others come daily.
History of the Uganda Martyrs
Many of the martyrs were pages in Kabaka Mwanga’s palace while others were working in chiefs’ homesteads. Each family was selecting very hardworking boys, well behaved too, to go and work for the King. It was also a sign of showing loyalty to the King as it was prestigious to work for the King. The martyrs began to learn religion after the coming of the Anglican and catholic Missionaries in 1877 and 1879 respectively. These Christian Missionaries were invited by Kabaka Muteesa I, Mwanga’s father.
The first martyr to die was King’s major domo and leader of all Christians, Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, on 15th November 1885. On 25th May, 1886, King Mwanga ordered for a number of Christians to be brought before him and he passed on them the death penalty. 20 of the 22 martyrs were killed between 26th May 1886 and 3rd June 1886.
On 6th June 1920, Pope Benedict XV beatified the Uganda Martyrs. Pope Paul VI canonized them on Mission Sunday, 8th October, 1964 at the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The same Pope honored the Martyrs with a pilgrimage on 31st July to 2nd August 1969 – the first visit ever by a pope to the African Continent. Also the Mill Hill missionaries founded a catholic parish at Namugongo in 1935 which was dedicated to our lady queen of the martyrs. The architectural shrine building in Namugongo today stands exactly on the place where the small original parish church stood and it is the same spot where Charles Lwanga was burnt alive.
The Lake with holy water
A Martyrs’ lake was excavated at Namugongo to remember the work executed by St. Charles Lwanga. Many pilgrims have often drawn water from this lake and it is believed to be holy water. Some people have given testimonies about this water healing them of various diseases. The pavilion which overlooks the lake is another unique feature with views from every angle on the 15 acre shrine compound.
On special occasions like Martyrs Day – the main celebrant sites inside this pavilion supported by 4 pillars and can accommodate more than 300 priests.
Getting to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine
If coming from Kampala city center, the shrine is just 15km away east of Kampala off Jinja Road. It takes a 30 minutes’ drive or 1 hour (if the roads have much traffic) to get here. On special occasions like Martyrs day, Cars are not allowed due to the large number of people flocking this place. Special tours all year (except early June) are available for tourists.
