Uganda is set to repatriate the remains of two Christian martyrs who were brutally executed over a century ago for refusing to renounce their faith.
The announcement comes from Father Richard Nyombi of the Kampala Archdiocese, highlighting the upcoming commemoration of the 60th anniversary of their sainthood.
These martyrs, twenty-two Roman Catholics and twenty-three Anglicans, primarily young men, were killed between 1885 and 1886 on the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda, who feared the growing influence of Christianity.
Their executions were particularly gruesome, with many burned alive or killed with spears and knives.
The remains of two martyrs, Charles Lwanga and Matiya Mulumba, were previously sent to Rome by the White Fathers missionary society.
These remains will now be returned to Uganda, most likely in September 2024, to be displayed at Uganda Martyrs University alongside artifacts from their execution, including a chain and a cross.
This repatriation coincides with the anniversary of their canonization by Pope Paul VI in 1964. A shrine already exists at Namugongo, a Kampala suburb where the executions took place.
This location serves as a major pilgrimage site for Christians across Africa and the world, particularly on June 3rd, the anniversary of many of the killings.
The return of the remains holds great significance, offering a tangible connection to these martyrs’ sacrifice.
Father Nyombi emphasizes the importance of reflecting on their values during a challenging time in Uganda, marked by economic hardship, moral decline, and corruption.
This repatriation serves as a reminder of their unwavering faith and the enduring strength of their sacrifice.
