⛪ Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
Uganda
About This Sacred Site
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo marks the site where 45 Anglican and Catholic converts were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. The 22 Catholic martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964, and the site has become the largest Christian pilgrimage destination in sub-Saharan Africa. Each year on June 3 (Martyrs' Day), millions of pilgrims from across Africa gather at the basilica and Anglican shrine to commemorate the martyrs' sacrifice.
Key Facts
- •The largest annual Christian pilgrimage in sub-Saharan Africa
- •45 Christian converts were martyred between 1885 and 1887
- •The 22 Catholic martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964
- •Martyrs' Day on June 3 draws over 3 million pilgrims annually
- •Contains both a Catholic basilica and an Anglican martyrs' shrine
Location
Coordinates: 0.3783, 32.6547
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