Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine

You will find the Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine, a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica, located at Munyonyo in Central Uganda, roughly 13 kilometers south of Kampala's central business district. You should visit this sacred site because it marks the historical royal enclave where King Mwanga II took his fateful 1886 decision to begin putting Christians to death, spilling the first martyrs' blood on this very soil. At this profound thanksgiving monument, built to celebrate the 1964 canonization of the martyrs by Pope Paul VI, you can reflect upon pivotal moments in Christian history. It was at Munyonyo on May 25, 1886, that Saint Charles Lwanga secretly baptized four catechumens—St. Kizito, St.

Mbaga, St. Gyavira, and St. Muggaga. On May 26, 1886, royal enclave leaders St. Andrew Kaggwa and St.

Denis Ssebugwawo were martyred here after fearlessly declaring their faith alongside other young pageboys. When you visit, you can explore the completed modern church shrine consecrated in 2017, the museum, administrative offices, and the specific martyrdom spots of the saints. Blessed by Pope Francis in 2015 and administered by Conventual Franciscans, this shrine offers a deeply moving window into Uganda's religious heritage.

What to see at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine

• Roman Catholic Minor Basilica granted status by the Holy See in 2019
• Martyrdom site of royal enclave leaders St. Andrew Kaggwa and St. Denis Ssebugwawo
• Historic location where St. Charles Lwanga secretly baptized four catechumens in 1886
• Features a new church shrine, museum, offices, and designated martyrdom spots

Visiting tips

Spend time visiting the shrine's museum and quiet martyrdom spots to fully appreciate the history of the Ugandan Martyrs.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine is easy to reach on Kampala’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kasubi Tombs and Kampala Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kampala travel guide.