Why do Christians go to Namugongo?
Annually on 3 June, Christians from Uganda and other parts of the world congregate at Namugongo to commemorate the lives and religious beliefs of the Uganda Martyrs. Crowds have been estimated in hundreds of thousands in some years.
Who built Namugongo?
Construction began in 1967 by Roko Construction Company. It was one of their first major projects in Uganda. It was completed eight years later and officially opened by His Eminence Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli on June 3, 1975. Thousands of pilgrims, including President Idi Amin, attended the ceremony.
Why is Namugongo called a shrine?
Namugongo shrine is believed to be a concrete evidence of faith the Uganda martyrs exhibited centuries back. The Uganda martyrs shrine / Namugongo Shrine was constructed in the commemoration of the baganda men that sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Christian faith in Uganda.
How many Uganda Martyrs were killed in total?
Martyrs of Uganda, Ugandan martyrs. The Uganda Martyrs comprise of 45 young men who were brutally killed by the king of Buganda called Kabaka Mwanga II. They were forced to abandon their faith in Christianity which they refused to do and Kabaka ordered for their killing.
What led to the killing of Uganda Martyrs?
They were killed on orders of Mwanga II, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. The deaths took place at a time when there was a three-way religious struggle for political influence at the Buganda royal court.
How many Uganda Martyrs were killed?
Why is Namugongo remembered in the history of Uganda?
Today, the name Namugongo is associated with piety and sacrifice. It is the centre of the yearly celebrations in honour of 45 young Ugandans who chose death over renouncing their faith between 1885 and January 1887. However, back in the day, Namugongo was known as a place of death.
Why do Christians visit Namugongo every 3rd June?
Pilgrimages are made to Namugongo Shrine every 3rd of June to remember the catholic converts that lost their lives because of their faith in God. Its a great place to visit when you embark on your safaris to Uganda.