Pilgrims gather at Namungongo in memory of the Ugandan Martyrs

Pilgrims from within Uganda and several countries in the region and beyond have been taking part in the 3rd June annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Namugongo, near Kampala in memory of the Ugandan Martyrs. This year’s celebrations are led by the Diocese of Kotido under the theme: ‘The Uganda martyrs: an example of true Christian witness and good citizenship.”

The annual celebrations commemorate the Martyrdom that took place over 124 years ago, of the 22 young men, who were killed for their faith under the orders of the then ruler Kabaka Mwanga.

There are 24 Catholic Uganda Martyrs. Twenty-two of them were beatified by Pope Benedict XV on 6th June 1920. Pope Paul VI canonised them on 18th October 1964 in the Vatican. The Catholic Church in Uganda built the shrine at Namugongo where majority of them were burnt to death in memory of their witness to their faith in Christ. The other two martyrs were killed in Paimol, Gulu in the North of Uganda in October 1918. They were beatified by Pope (St.) John Paul II on 20th October 2002.

There are also Ugandan martyrs of the Anglican Church that were killed by King Mwanga between 1885 and 1887, bringing the total of Ugandan martyrs to 45.

And these words from Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in his address to the bishops of Uganda at the end of their ad Limina visit on the 5th March 2010:

“In the Blessed Ugandan Martyrs you and your people have models of great courage and endurance in suffering. Count on their prayers and strive always to be worthy of their legacy. Commending you and those entrusted to your pastoral care to the loving protection of Mary, Mother of the Church, I affectionately impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing.”