Thousands of pilgrims from the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province gathered on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the St. Charles Lwanga Spiritual and Religious Tourism Center in Birinzi, Masaka District, to honor the legacy of the Uganda Martyr.
Faithful from across the five suffragan dioceses of the province arrived a day earlier, walking and camping at the center in anticipation of the official celebration of Mass.
The Kampala Ecclesiastical Province comprises five dioceses: Kasana-Luweero, Kiyinda-Mityana, Lugazi, Masaka, and the Kampala Archdiocese.
The pilgrimage Mass was presided over by the Bishop of Masaka, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, assisted by the Archbishop of Kampala, Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, alongside dozens of priests from various parishes within the province.
Bishop Jjumba called on pilgrims to support the ongoing renovation and fencing of the center, which sits on eight acres of land, with the construction of a perimeter wall.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Kakumba, Parish Priest of Kitaasa, urged Christians to emulate the virtues of St. Charles Lwanga, who rejected witchcraft and chose to live and die for his faith.
He emphasized that Lwanga’s martyrdom helped strengthen Christianity in Uganda.
Fr. Kakumba also encouraged the faithful to reflect on the pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops, which addresses critical issues affecting the country, including corruption, unemployment, political imprisonment, land grabbing, and kidnappings.
He urged Ugandan leaders to act on the recommendations outlined in the letter to bridge the growing social and moral divide.
The celebration drew participation from political, cultural, and community leaders, including Uganda’s Ambassador to Algeria, Alintuma Nsambu, Members of Parliament, political aspirants, and others.
St. Charles Lwanga, martyred in 1886 alongside 21 other young Ugandan Catholics, is remembered for his unwavering faith and leadership.
As head of the royal pages in the court of the King of Buganda, he helped dig the Kabaka’s Lake and governed with remarkable wisdom.
Lwanga, now the patron saint of African youth and Catholic Action, was martyred at Namugongo Busaale for refusing to renounce Christianity.
Separated from the group, he was burned slowly from foot to head by his executioner, Ssenkoole, in a brutal act meant to inflict maximum pain. He died on June 3, 1886, at just 25 years old.
Born between 1860 and 1861 at Kasanje Birinzi, Lwanga was a native of Buddu County.
He was the son of Mabingo of the Ngabi clan and Gwokiiya of the Kasimba clan.
He is admired for his deep piety, concern for others’ salvation, steadfast chastity, and unshakable courage during persecution.
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