Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Namugongo lies approximately 16 kilometers northeast of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. On 3 June 1886, 32 young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda, suffered death by burning at Namugongo for their steadfast adherence to Christianity. They belonged either to the Anglican or Catholic faith. The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.

Joshua Serufusa-Zake (1884–25 June 1985), while serving as the Sabaddu of Kira Sub-County, initially identified the Namugongo Shrines. He erected a structure at the Namugongo site, where subsequent shrines were likely built for prayer. His interest in Christianity grew from his father’s involvement in the wars that introduced Christianity to Uganda. His father, Semei Musoke Seruma Katiginya, earned the moniker “Ngubu” for his valor in those wars.

Every year on 3 June, Christians from Uganda and beyond gather at Namugongo to honor the lives and faith of the Uganda Martyrs. Crowd estimates have reached hundreds of thousands in some years.

Both Churches stand on the sites where martyrs were executed, and their memories are perpetuated through murals and stained glass within the churches. The primary shrine, located where St. Charles Lwanga and his companions met their fate, is the most prominent.

The Ugandan tradition of commemorating martyrs holds significance as it connects Ugandans to their pre-Christian spirituality and ancestry. Pilgrims from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and across Uganda converge at Namugongo for the Ugandan Martyrs Feast Day, with many others following the celebrations on national television. The shrine is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We suggest allocating 1 to 2 hours for an immersive visit to this site, although your safari tour guide can offer guidance based on your schedule.

Things To Do

Guided Tour of the Catholic Shrine:

Delve into the detailed history of the martyrs and explore the church. For Catholic visitors, this presents a solemn opportunity for prayer to the saints. Following the tour, you can proceed to your next destination or activity.

Access: Road from Kampala

Close Attractions:

Kampala City Tour (16 km, 45 minutes to 1 hour drive)

Ndere Center:

Showcases cultural performances (10 km, 30 to 45-minute drive)

Entebbe:

Home to the International Airport, Zoo, and Ngamba Island for chimpanzee experiences (57 km, 2 hours’ drive)

Recommended Duration of Stay

The activity typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group engagement and interest. Visits are unscheduled and can be undertaken anytime between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Let Abunda Discoveries Uganda be your trusted partner as you explore the magnificent Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.