The martyrs of Uganda are a reminder that persecution of Christians continues into present day.

“You can burn our bodies, but you cannot harm our souls.”

In the late 1800’s, King Mwanga of Uganda was a violent ruler and pedophile who forced himself on the young boys and men who served him as pages and attendants. 

The Society of Missionaries of Africa had only been in Uganda for 6 years and yet had built up a community of converts whose faith would outshine their own.  One of the converts and leader of the small community of 200 Christians was a Catholic named Joseph who was a long-time friend of the king and confronted him, condemning his actions.  The king had him beheaded.

Charles Lwanga took over the instruction and leadership of the Christians.  He strove to keep the young boys and men out of Mwanga’s hands.

The king was suspicious and interrogated one of the pages who revealed that he had been receiving religious instruction from Denis Sebuggwawo.  Mwanga’s temper boiled and he killed Denis himself with a spear through his throat.

He then ordered that the royal compound be sealed and guarded so that no one could escape.  He summoned the executioners.  Knowing what was coming, Charles Lwanga baptized 4 catechumens that night.  The next morning, the king brought his whole court before him and separated the Christians from the rest.  The 25 who said they were Christians and were going to remain so, were condemned to death.  One of which was an executioners son.

They were taken on a 37 mile trek to the place of execution where they were to be burned alive yet they showed courage and joy to those they passed by on their way to martyrdom including Charles Lwanga.

The Missionaries were expelled from the country but the new Christians carried on their work.  After King Mwanga’s death, the missionaries returned finding 1,500 waiting for them.

The Catholic Martyrs of the Uganda persecution were canonized.

He is the patron saint of converts, torture victims, and the African Catholic Youth Action.

Their feast day is June 3.

For God’s Glory.