About

The Uganda Martyrs Shrines

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The Uganda Martyrs Shrines, Namugongo

The shrines are located in Namugongo, Wakiso District, about 15 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. They are easily accessible by road from Kampala via Kireka–Namugongo Road and attract visitors and pilgrims throughout the year, with the largest crowds arriving for Uganda Martyrs Day on 3rd June.

Namugongo is one of the most important Christian heritage and pilgrimage sites in Africa. It is the place where 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the King of Buganda. The martyrs were killed because they refused to abandon their Christian faith.making Namugongo a sacred site for both the Catholic and Anglican churches.

The Leader of the Martyrs

St. Charles Lwanga was the leader of the Catholic martyrs. He courageously continued teaching Christianity and baptizing new converts even during persecution. He encouraged his fellow believers to remain strong in faith. St. Charles Lwanga was burned alive at Namugongo on 3rd June 1886, a date now commemorated every year as Uganda Martyrs Day.

The Youngest Martyr

The youngest of all the Uganda Martyrs was St. Kizito, only 14 years old. Despite his age, he refused to renounce his faith and was burned alive at Namugongo together with St. Charles Lwanga. His courage continues to inspire young people and pilgrims from around the world.

Places of Execution

The martyrdoms took place at different locations in Buganda:

  • Namugongo: where most martyrs were burned alive

  • Munyonyo:  where arrests began and some martyrs were killed

  • Old Kampala Namirembe area: where St. Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, the first martyr, was beheaded

  • Mengo and surrounding areas:  linked to imprisonment, trials, and the martyrdom journey

These locations form what is now known as the Uganda Martyrs Trail, followed by pilgrims and visitors.

Origin of the Name “Namugongo”

The name Namugongo comes from the Luganda word “Omugongo,” meaning back or spine. Historically, this area was an execution ground where victims were punished or burned from the back. The name remained and later became famous following the martyrdoms.

Importance Today

Today, Namugongo is a major religious tourism and pilgrimage destination, attracting millions of visitors every year, especially on 3rd June. The site represents faith, courage, sacrifice, and freedom of belief, making it a key stop on Kampala city tours and Christian heritage journeys in Uganda.

Major Monuments at the Site

1. Uganda Martyrs Catholic Basilica

This is the most prominent monument at Namugongo. Completed in 1975, the basilica is built in the shape of a traditional African hut, symbolizing unity and African identity. The 22 pillars inside represent the 22 Catholic martyrs, with the main altar standing on the exact spot where St. Charles Lwanga was burned alive. The basilica can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

2. Anglican Martyrs Shrine

Located a short distance from the Catholic basilica, the Anglican shrine marks the place where the 23 Anglican martyrs were killed. It includes a memorial church, a museum, and landscaped grounds that document the history of the Anglican martyrs and the early Christian mission in Uganda.

3. Martyrs’ Museum

Both shrines have museums that preserve historical artifacts, photographs, documents, and traditional tools associated with the martyrs’ lives and executions. These museums help visitors understand the cultural and historical context of the martyrdom.

4. The Holy Lake (Nakiyanja / Munyonyo area reference often associated)

Within the Catholic shrine grounds is a holy water lake, believed by many pilgrims to have healing powers. Pilgrims often collect water from the lake as a sign of faith.

5. Pilgrims’ Way and Statues

The site includes stations of prayer, statues of key martyrs, large crosses, and open grounds used for processions and outdoor Masses during pilgrimages.

The Uganda Martyrs Shrines are not only places of worship but also national monuments, reflecting Uganda’s religious tolerance, moral strength, and shared history. A visit to Namugongo offers a meaningful experience that combines history, faith, and culture, making it one of the country’s most visited heritage sites.

 Activities at Namugongo

1. Religious Pilgrimage

2. Guided Historical Tours

  • Professional guides explain:

    • The life of the martyrs

    • The Buganda Kingdom history

    • The spread of Christianity in Uganda

3. Cultural & Heritage Tourism

  • Learn about Buganda traditions, royal history, and African Christianity.

  • Often combined with visits to Kasubi Tombs or Kabaka’s Palace.

4. Prayer, Meditation & Spiritual Retreats

  • Quiet spaces suitable for personal prayer, retreats, and reflection.

  • Common for church groups and faith-based travelers.

5. Photography & Educational Visits

  • Visitors photograph:

    • The basilica architecture

    • Monuments and statues

    • Pilgrimage activities

  • Popular with students and researchers.

6. Community & Faith Events

  • Church services, youth gatherings, choir performances, and memorial masses.

  • Special events during Uganda Martyrs Day.

7. Domestic & International Sightseeing

  • Easily combined with a Kampala city tour.

  • Popular stop for tourists interested in religious history and culture.