Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine - Uganda Martyrs Basilica — Attraction in Kampala

its the place were King Mwanga took the fateful decision to begin putting Christians to death. The blood of Ugandan's martyrs was shed on the soil around Munyonyo. The first three Christians to render their lives for Christ's sake after the King's decision did so on 26 May 1886 – they were: St. Denis Ssebugwawo, St. Andrew Kaggwa and St. Pontiano Ngondwe. Place where St. Danis was speared

In Munyonyo, all of the King's Christian pageboys were captured and sentenced to death at Namugongo (the Kingdom's designated place for execution). The prisoners were grievously bound to each other, and were made to walk their life's final journey escorted by merciless soldiers; theirs was a brutal and soul-inspiring last pilgrimage. On the way to Namugongo, at a lonely spot by the side of a road in Kyamula, Pontiano was martyred – he was the third Ugandan whose love of Christ outshone his desire for life itself. That same day in Munyonyo, servant of God, Fr. Symeon Lourdel (Mapeera) was desperately seeking an audience with the King Mwanga in order to intervene for condemned Christians. However, he was not permitted to see King.

Having intuited the grave and imminent danger which was about to befall Uganda's Christian community, as night fell on 25 May 1886, Charles Lwanga (the leader of Uganda's Christian community) secretly baptised four catechumens at Munyonyo: St. Kizito, St. Mbaga, St. Gyavira and St. Muggaga The very morning, King Mwanga brought his whole court before him and separated the Christians from the rest saying, "those who do not pray stand by me, those who do pray stand over there". He proceeded to ask the fifteen boys and young men standing apart whether they were Christian and, if they were, whether they intended to remain so. When they answered "Yes" with strength and courage, Mwanga condemned them all to death. After a short imprisonment, the future martyrs subsequently walked, staggered and were often dragged over a number of days until they finally reached the martyrdom site in Namugongo...

I had the privilege of visiting Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, and the experience left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. This sacred site, nestled by the serene shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

From the moment I entered the grounds of the shrine, I was greeted with a palpable sense of tranquility and spirituality. The lush gardens and beautifully landscaped pathways leading to the shrine create an ambiance of serenity that is unmatched. It's a place where nature's beauty complements the spiritual purpose.

The basilica itself is a magnificent testament to faith and architecture. Its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are a sight to behold. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the profound silence that enveloped the sanctuary. It's a silence that invites contemplation and introspection, making it a perfect setting for prayer and reflection.

The heart of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine is, of course, the reverence for the Uganda Martyrs. Their courageous witness to their Christian faith is honored here, and it's impossible not to be moved by their stories. The shrine offers a place to pay homage to these martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to inspire...

This worship place is unique in its own way. To begin with, It has got well organized traffic control gates that are very accessible to allow only entry and only exit. It has many sections of comfort with a blistering atmosphere filled with fresh natural breeze from trees. It's a perfect place to both hold a wedding mass (a very good looking church), do photoshoot (very good looking gardens, and backgrounds) and organise receptions (big compound enough for tents). It has large parking space. I was mesmerised by the fact that for any couple that is to be wedded in the church, no fees are charged. If you read this and you are planning a wedding, don't lose this...