Fr Matthew Kabaale, a Catholic priest at St. Kizito Parish Church –Namirali in Iganga district, has written a book that acts as a guide for pilgrims who want to appreciate the whole story of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Pilgrim’s Guide to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine and the Pearl of Africa, has a comprehensive guide of the possible routes to Namugongo Shrine, the gist, and benefits of the pilgrimage, the life, and experience of Uganda Martyrs and other tourism places in Uganda.

It has maps and advice on local trips with devotional insights and guides to the key holy sites and tourist destinations across Uganda.

It explains the reasons for pilgrimages, the recommended practices, and the religious guide on how to benefit from the pilgrimages.

For example, according to Fr Kabaale, spiritual preparation for a pilgrimage includes receiving the Sacrament of reconciliation (for Catholics), creating a space of grace (being with no mortal sin, like being drunk, telling lies on the phone, watching adult videos or clips on phone, etc) and having intentions of the Holy Father, (The Pope) at heart.

He adds that pilgrims should clarify their purpose, prepare their intentions and have them at heart and also desire to receive indulgences while making the pilgrimage. Pilgrims should also explore spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting and confession.

“A Christian pilgrimage is a journey worthy of being done in someone’s lifetime. Before setting off, they should meditate on a Psalm each day, have spiritual reading materials, including the Bible to read some chapters and verses, as well as the “Pilgrimage Guide” books, and also contemplate Jesus’ last eight days on earth,” the book reads.

It is not just the spiritual preparation that is mentioned in the book. The physical preparation includes health checks to determine the safety, specific medical advice of medication and prophylaxis. It also includes understanding the weather conditions, terrain, culture and beliefs of the host so that you plan what clothes to pack.

The first five chapters highlight how the Church was born out of the blood of the martyrs. It includes the arrival of the first missionaries and what forced Kabaka Mwanga to kill his pages. The narrative is interesting, astounding and often new.

The books name all 36 martyrs, their origin, how they joined Christianity, and how they met their martyrdom. Interestingly, two of the martyrs — St. Matia Mulumba and St. Gonzaga Gonza — were sons of Busoga, Kyebando village in Mayuge district, and Bugonza village in Kaliro district, respectively.

The book also has the story of the female martyr, Claire Nalumansi, who was also killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga on August 2, 1888. Nalumansi was the daughter of Kabaka Muteesa I and, therefore, the step-sister of Kabaka Mwanga, but from different mothers.

The book doesn’t stop at the Uganda Martyrs of Buganda. It extends to the Acholi martyrs, Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, who were killed in Kitgum district.

There is also a reference to the Muslim martyrs who were killed for refusing to eat the meat slaughtered by the Kabaka, who was non-Muslim.

The book is also a good tour guide. It has interesting stories and photos of Uganda’s tourist destinations. These include Kagulu Hill in Buyende district, Nhenda Hill and Bukaleba Forest in Mayuge district, the Source of the Nile in Jinja, the Jinja bridge and the symbolic Gandhi statue at the Source of the Nile; the Uganda Museum and the Kasubi Tombs.

The religious sites include Kyando in Mayuge district where Bishop Hannington was killed, the water well he used, the cave in which he slept, and the stone pulpit on which he stood to preach, among others. Other sites include Kyebando in Mayuge, the birthplace of St Matia Mulumba, and the Muslim shrine at Namugongo-Nakiyanja.

The Bishop of Jinja diocese, Charles Martin Wamika, recommended the book as educative and inspirational.

“I recommend it for every interested person because it gives the historical background, which is a foundation to more understanding and belief,” he said.

Fr Kabaale studied at Rubaga Boys Primary School, Kamuli town, before going to St Joseph’s Minor Seminary Nyenga, Kisubi Minor Seminary for O’level) and Tindonyo College in Kenya for A’level. He holds a diploma in education from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, a degree in philosophy and theology from Ggaba National Seminary and the Urbanian University, in Rome.

He has served in various parishes and, for many years at St. Matia Mulumba Catholic Parish, Kyebando in Busoga, where St Matia Mulumba was born.

A Minute With The Author

What inspired you to write the book?

It was the quest, the thirst or calling for more knowledge of the Christian believers who came in large numbers for the annual events at the martyrs shrines in Namugongo, St Mulumba, and St Gonzaga’s sites in Busoga. Whenever my bishop in Jinja, Charles Martin Wamika, assigned me to receive the pilgrims, they would ask many questions, which made it hard to exhaust all they wanted to know. I, therefore, decided to make research and write a book that can provide all the information to the pilgrims, the Catholic congregation, and the public who want to know the Church’s history.

How much money did it cost you?

Initially, it was the efforts of my personal savings. Then, my friends, a few church members, and corporate companies supported my research, transport logistics, and printing costs. Approximately, I have so far spent sh25m.

Do you think your book can change the way people see the Uganda Martyrs celebration?

Yes. It shows that, apart from the physical preparation for the Martyrs Day, it is paramount to cater for the spiritual change, especially for those planning a pilgrimage. Besides the excitement that goes with it, the pilgrims need to read and recall the Uganda Martyrs’ story, and then reflect on the relations that will go with them. Inner disposition is very paramount to benefit from the graces and blessings from God, which the pilgrim obtains from undertaking the spiritual journey.

What’s the most interesting chapter?

You know the saying — One man’s meat…. But I think all chapters are interesting and consumable.

Where does your passion for writing books originate?

Writing religious literature and liturgy are my hobbies, birthed from my time of studies in the seminaries, backed by the diploma and bachelor’s in education, which entails reading many books.

How close are you to the martyrs?

I am blessed, actually twice. First being of the same tribe as the two martyrs and second, I am a serving priest with a passion for all the Uganda Martyrs.

Which categories of people do you expect to enjoy the book?

The book is universal and relevant to all people, especially researchers and pilgrims of all denominations, including the Muslim fraternity. It actually features Muslim martyrs too.

Where can the readers find the book?

The book is now available at the Catholic bookshops in Jinja and Kampala. And on Martyrs Day at Namugongo, it will be available on sale on the bookshelves and with vendors at sh20,000.

Priest Writes Guide For Pilgrims

Fr Matthew Kabaale, a Catholic priest at St. Kizito Parish Church –Namirali in Iganga district, has written a book that acts as a guide for pilgrims who want to appreciate the whole story of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Pilgrim’s Guide to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine and the Pearl of Africa, has a comprehensive guide of the possible routes to Namugongo Shrine, the gist, and benefits of the pilgrimage, the life, and experience of Uganda Martyrs and other tourism places in Uganda.

It has maps and advice on local trips with devotional insights and guides to the key holy sites and tourist destinations across Uganda.

It explains the reasons for pilgrimages, the recommended practices, and the religious guide on how to benefit from the pilgrimages.

For example, according to Fr Kabaale, spiritual preparation for a pilgrimage includes receiving the Sacrament of reconciliation (for Catholics), creating a space of grace (being with no mortal sin, like being drunk, telling lies on the phone, watching adult videos or clips on phone, etc) and having intentions of the Holy Father, (The Pope) at heart.

He adds that pilgrims should clarify their purpose, prepare their intentions and have them at heart and also desire to receive indulgences while making the pilgrimage. Pilgrims should also explore spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting and confession.

“A Christian pilgrimage is a journey worthy of being done in someone’s lifetime. Before setting off, they should meditate on a Psalm each day, have spiritual reading materials, including the Bible to read some chapters and verses, as well as the “Pilgrimage Guide” books, and also contemplate Jesus’ last eight days on earth,” the book reads.

It is not just the spiritual preparation that is mentioned in the book. The physical preparation includes health checks to determine the safety, specific medical advice of medication and prophylaxis. It also includes understanding the weather conditions, terrain, culture and beliefs of the host so that you plan what clothes to pack.

The first five chapters highlight how the Church was born out of the blood of the martyrs. It includes the arrival of the first missionaries and what forced Kabaka Mwanga to kill his pages. The narrative is interesting, astounding and often new.

The books name all 36 martyrs, their origin, how they joined Christianity, and how they met their martyrdom. Interestingly, two of the martyrs — St. Matia Mulumba and St. Gonzaga Gonza — were sons of Busoga, Kyebando village in Mayuge district, and Bugonza village in Kaliro district, respectively.

The book also has the story of the female martyr, Claire Nalumansi, who was also killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga on August 2, 1888. Nalumansi was the daughter of Kabaka Muteesa I and, therefore, the step-sister of Kabaka Mwanga, but from different mothers.

The book doesn’t stop at the Uganda Martyrs of Buganda. It extends to the Acholi martyrs, Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, who were killed in Kitgum district.

There is also a reference to the Muslim martyrs who were killed for refusing to eat the meat slaughtered by the Kabaka, who was non-Muslim.

The book is also a good tour guide. It has interesting stories and photos of Uganda’s tourist destinations. These include Kagulu Hill in Buyende district, Nhenda Hill and Bukaleba Forest in Mayuge district, the Source of the Nile in Jinja, the Jinja bridge and the symbolic Gandhi statue at the Source of the Nile; the Uganda Museum and the Kasubi Tombs.

The religious sites include Kyando in Mayuge district where Bishop Hannington was killed, the water well he used, the cave in which he slept, and the stone pulpit on which he stood to preach, among others. Other sites include Kyebando in Mayuge, the birthplace of St Matia Mulumba, and the Muslim shrine at Namugongo-Nakiyanja.

The Bishop of Jinja diocese, Charles Martin Wamika, recommended the book as educative and inspirational.

“I recommend it for every interested person because it gives the historical background, which is a foundation to more understanding and belief,” he said.

Fr Kabaale studied at Rubaga Boys Primary School, Kamuli town, before going to St Joseph’s Minor Seminary Nyenga, Kisubi Minor Seminary for O’level) and Tindonyo College in Kenya for A’level. He holds a diploma in education from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, a degree in philosophy and theology from Ggaba National Seminary and the Urbanian University, in Rome.

He has served in various parishes and, for many years at St. Matia Mulumba Catholic Parish, Kyebando in Busoga, where St Matia Mulumba was born.

A Minute With The Author

What inspired you to write the book?

It was the quest, the thirst or calling for more knowledge of the Christian believers who came in large numbers for the annual events at the martyrs shrines in Namugongo, St Mulumba, and St Gonzaga’s sites in Busoga. Whenever my bishop in Jinja, Charles Martin Wamika, assigned me to receive the pilgrims, they would ask many questions, which made it hard to exhaust all they wanted to know. I, therefore, decided to make research and write a book that can provide all the information to the pilgrims, the Catholic congregation, and the public who want to know the Church’s history.

How much money did it cost you?

Initially, it was the efforts of my personal savings. Then, my friends, a few church members, and corporate companies supported my research, transport logistics, and printing costs. Approximately, I have so far spent sh25m.

Do you think your book can change the way people see the Uganda Martyrs celebration?

Yes. It shows that, apart from the physical preparation for the Martyrs Day, it is paramount to cater for the spiritual change, especially for those planning a pilgrimage. Besides the excitement that goes with it, the pilgrims need to read and recall the Uganda Martyrs’ story, and then reflect on the relations that will go with them. Inner disposition is very paramount to benefit from the graces and blessings from God, which the pilgrim obtains from undertaking the spiritual journey.

What’s the most interesting chapter?

You know the saying — One man’s meat…. But I think all chapters are interesting and consumable.

Where does your passion for writing books originate?

Writing religious literature and liturgy are my hobbies, birthed from my time of studies in the seminaries, backed by the diploma and bachelor’s in education, which entails reading many books.

How close are you to the martyrs?

I am blessed, actually twice. First being of the same tribe as the two martyrs and second, I am a serving priest with a passion for all the Uganda Martyrs.

Which categories of people do you expect to enjoy the book?

The book is universal and relevant to all people, especially researchers and pilgrims of all denominations, including the Muslim fraternity. It actually features Muslim martyrs too.

Where can the readers find the book?

The book is now available at the Catholic bookshops in Jinja and Kampala. And on Martyrs Day at Namugongo, it will be available on sale on the bookshelves and with vendors at sh20,000.