Live at Namugongo

Highlights at the Catholic shrine

The pilgrims are eager to get water from the pond that lies near the shrine. The water is special in the lives of the pilgrims.

The Uganda Martyrs are a group of 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic converts to Christianity in the historical kingdom of Buganda.

They were killed on orders of Mwanga II, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. The deaths took place at a time when there was a three-way religious struggle for political influence at the Buganda royal court.

The Catholic Church beatified the 22 Catholic martyrs of its faith in 1920 and canonized them in 1964.

This year's Martyrs's Day celebrations will be led by the archdiocese of Tororo.

The celebrations at the anglican church will be led by Kigezi Diocese where Prime minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and his predecessor Amama Mbabazi are the organisers.

And who were these martyrs?

Achilleus Kiwanuka

Adolphus Ludigo-Mukas

Ambrosius Kibuuka

Anatoli Kiriggwajjo

Andrew Kaggwa

Antanansio Bazzekuketta

Bruno Sserunkuuma

Charles Lwanga

Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa

Gonzaga Gonza

Gyavira Musoke

James Buuzaabalyaawo

John Maria Muzeeyi

Joseph Mukasa

Kizito

Lukka Baanabakintu

Matiya Mulumba

Mbaga Tuzinde

Mugagga Lubowa

Mukasa Kiriwawanvu

Nowa Mawaggali

Ponsiano Ngondwe

 

Here is a flashback of what transpired last evening

 

 Pilgrims lining up to fetch water believed to have miraculous powers

 Pilgrims move around the pond

 Confession time? A christian engages a priest at Namugongo

 Prayer time: Christians praying through the martyrs

 Tired: Pilgrims take a nap

 

As the D-day sets in

 It is a chilly morning and the Christians are anxiously awaiting Mass

 

 It is all joy and happiness for the believers at Namugongo

 

Kikiga dance going on at Nakiyanja, the Anglican Church

 

 Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga arrives at Namugongo

 

 Theme for the Martyrs Day at the Anglican Church: Walking into the light of God