Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine Namugongo

The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is a minor basilica dedicated to the 1880 Catholic Martyrs who died for their faith. This basilica is dedicated to 22 young Christian congregants who were brutally murdered between 1885-1887 by Kabaka Mwanga for their allegiance to Christianity.

They were beatified in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and later canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964. The 22 Martyrs are the only African saints to whom a basilica is dedicated and they are the largest group of saints ever canonized by the Catholic Church.

Insider Tip

There are several other churches within Kampala, Mityana and Wakiso dedicated to the martyrs of Uganda. These include;

• Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shtrine
• St. Matia Mulumba Church at Old Kampala
• St. Balikuddembe Church, Kisenyi