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Namugongo
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Uganda Martyrs

Namugongo

The Uganda Martyrs · Uganda

When Christianity came to the kingdom of Buganda in the late 1870s, many young pages at the court became Christians. King Mwanga demanded that they give up their faith; they refused. On 3 June 1886 a large group of them, Catholics and Anglicans, were burned alive here at Namugongo, among them their leader Charles Lwanga. Today a basilica shaped like a traditional African hut stands where Charles Lwanga died, with an Anglican shrine nearby.

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Every year on 3 June huge crowds walk here, some for weeks, from all over East Africa.

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An inspiring story

Baptised the night before

Would you choose your faith if it cost you everything?

In 1886 Mwanga, the king of Buganda, ordered the young Christians at his court to give up their faith. That night their leader, Charles Lwanga, secretly baptised the boys who were still waiting for it. Why then, of all moments? Because they had already made their choice, and wanted to face the next day as Christians. The next morning they were marched to Namugongo, Catholics and Anglicans together, singing. The youngest, Kizito, was about fourteen and laughed and encouraged the others along the way. On 3 June they were burned alive.

Every year on 3 June more than a million pilgrims walk to Namugongo. The faith the king wanted to burn out now fills the country.

Even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods.Daniel 3:18

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