Page 34 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 1

Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine

Namugongo, KAMPALA

Chioma Phillips

In 2018 my husband and I took a bus The Shrine
trip from Nairobi to Kampala. It was
a God-ordained journey and our stay
was to be just over a week. A few
nights at a lovely Airbnb in Kyaliwajjala
was where we kicked off our visit,
followed by another few nights a
short distance away in Namugongo
(literally across one road and down
another).

We planned, we booked, we travelled,
not knowing that one of the most
significant religious commemorations
was to take place a short distance
from our Airbnb.

We arrived mid-afternoon and we
took note of a police blockade and a
growing number of people in the area.
Travellers with bags, settling by the
side of the road. Food sellers setting
up shop. The whole area was abuzz
with activity.
there to witness for ourselves. We King, refused to renounce their beliefs
Our host, Mary, explained to us quietly took ourselves in the opposite and return to the traditional way of
that there was going to be a mass direction. life. They were converts to Christianity
the following day, June 3rd, at the by the labours of some missionaries
Namugongo Martyrs’ Catholic Shrine Evening came and, while most of who were staying at the Kabaka’s
which was just a stones throw away the people had left, many of the out court.
from us. We later found out that those of towners were settling down for
who were arriving were on an annual another night or waiting for their As a result of their determination to
literal pilgrimage from all across buses, jerry cans of ‘special water’ stand up for what they believed, they
Uganda and other parts of Africa from the pool of water in hand. were burnt to death at Namugongo,
and the world, to commemorate the Pilgrimage over. where those of the royal household
lives of those killed for their beliefs. I were put to death. Some suggest that
sorted of nodded because I thought I We did a little research and waited its name comes from the Luganda
understood. a few days and then, from our new word, Omugongo, because people
location, we walked over to the Shrine killed there would be dragged on their
Morning brought with it clarity... much one evening. The roads still bearing backs.
greater. There were masses of people. the evidence of the large numbers
Hundreds of thousands had come of people who had visited the area. It is believed that many others were
for this one event. The President of We got access to the Shrine, walked martyred at the hands of Mwanga II.
Uganda included. The whole area was around a little, took some photos, Based on accounts, the Buganda king,
completely packed. The noise levels asked some questions. It was quiet was threatened by the King of kings
were way up. Boda Bodas (motorcycle now. Calmer. (Jesus) Who seemed to have usurped
taxis) had tripled their fares... and they all his power, authority and control in
were not sorry. The roads were full This is the story as we have come to his court, causing people to defy him.
of people and motorbikes and cars understand it so far: An unheard of offense!
and minivans and buses. There was
singing and chanting and praying as In June of 1886, 45 males, Christians The pool of water at the Shrine is called
television and radio sets trumpeted (Anglican and Catholic), serving in the Mukajjanga Well and was named
live broadcasts of the proceedings at court of Kabaka (king) Mwanga the after the chief executioner. This water
the shrine. Second of the Buganda people, stood is considered to be blessed or holy
up bravely for their faith in Jesus and there are even claims that people
Our host suggested that we go over Christ and, in direct defiance of the who have come into contact with it