Uganda Martyrs Shrine

Fr. Henry had asked if Bry'Chell and I would like to attend an Introduction Ceremony, the traditional ceremony where a groom-to-be is introduced to the bride-to-be's family. Sure, I like pretty much anything that gives me a better understanding of the culture here.

As a side he said we could go to Namugongo, the site of the Uganda Martyrs shrine. I've been wanting to get there since we've been in Uganda. The shrine is just east of Kampala. Since the feast of the martyrs falls on my birthday, I've always had some interest in them. Besides, how can I not like a place where my birthday is a national holiday?

Living and working in an African American community in Chicago, the martyrs offer fairly modern (OK, the 1800s) example of black saints, young black saints since they range in age from 14 to about 35. They're useful when I teach the Confirmation class at St. Ailbe and need examples of saints. They're young, they're black, what's not to like? OK, they died horrific deaths.

The basilica is built in the form of a traditional Ugandan house. Inside the main altar is built over the site where the martyrs were burned to death. Outside there are two shrines. One shows Kizito, the youngest of the martyrs, being instructed by Charles Lwanga. The other shrine shows in graphic detail, Charles Lwanda wrapped in sticks being roasted over a fire. The fire was set to burn him starting with his feet so that he would stay alive and feel the pain. It's pretty ghastly.

In the US, the Ugandan Martyrs are known as Charles Lwanga and the Ugandan Martyrs, with the other twenty-two being sort of anonymous. Here each of the martyrs is known by name. Many men in the country have the name of one or another of the martyrs and many schools and parishes are named after them. Kizito, the youngest, is especially popular as a name for boys and primary schools. Of course, since boys grow into men, there are many men with the name Kizito.