Reasons to visit Namugongo Martyrs Shrine : Namugongo martyrs shrine is one of the most popular religious sites visited in Uganda all year round. The site has over 10,000 visitors a year with the biggest numbers coming during the annual 3rd june martyrs day celebrations.

The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is located about 16 kilometers in the north-eastern part of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

There are two Martyrs shrines in Namugongo but the most popular one is the catholic shrine, usually referred to as the main shrine.

In 1886, 32 young men servants of the then Buganda king  – Kabaka Mwanga II, were killed by burning  at the shrine for converting to Christianity. They were burned to death at the shrine for their refusal to renounce their new found Christian faith. This was after a long forced trek where some didn’t make it; they died one the way.

First recognized in 1884 to 1985 by Joshua Serufusa-Zake who was the county leader for Kira Sub-County then, he spear headed the construction of the a facility for prayer in remembrance of  the fallen martyrs.

Later the shrine was formally recognized and 3 June Gazetted as a religious public holiday for Christians from Uganda and other parts of the world to commemorate the lives of the martyrs.

Every year religious faithfuls  walk or travel to the shrines to commemorate the day and engage in various religious activities. However when it’s not the season of the martyrs day celebrations, several people visit the shrines to learn more about the martyrs and the different aspects of the shrines.

People who visit the shrines get guided tours of the shrines.

At the Catholic Shrine, the guests are given details about each martyr. In fact  there wall at the shrine with the image of the martyrs and information about them.

This is the same at the protestant shrine. Only that the protestant shrine is smaller than the catholic shrine.

Reasons to visit Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

So what are the reasons for you to visit these shrines.

Of course the main reason people visit the shrines is to commemorate the 3rd of June Martyrs day. So on that you will visit the shrine to pray, celebrate the martyrs and enjoy the experience.

Its usually a hub of both believers and party lovers and the experience is one to die for; one you should experience when you happen to be in Uganda.

If you are not visiting during the martyrs day celebrations other reasons to visit the shrine include:-

  1. To learn more about the Uganda Marytrs and the history of Christianity in Uganda.
  2. To appreciate the beauty of the shrines; the unique designs and build of the structures. Both shrines have over the years had improvements in structural designs and decorations.
  3. The shrines are surrounded by a vast variety of locals, so visiting the shrines gives you an opportunity to interact with the people learn more about Ugandan communities.
  4. You can also visit the shrines as part of an experience of the outskirts of Kampala on your Uganda visit.
  5. Given the shrines are religious sites; you can also visit them as a part of your religious tour in Uganda.
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