Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro ( Prime Minister), Charles Peter Mayiga, has sparked debate after describing the Uganda Martyrs as “traitors” when viewed through the lens of the laws and governance system that existed during the reign of Mwanga II. In an interview with Daily Monitor, Mayiga argued that the martyrs were considered to have committed treason because they chose allegiance to their Christian faith over obedience to the king, who at the time was the supreme authority in Buganda.
According to Mayiga, concepts such as freedom of religion and other individual rights were not recognized in the 19th century as they are today. He said the freedoms people enjoyed were those permitted by the king, and anyone who acted contrary to the king’s wishes risked punishment. From that perspective, he argued, the martyrs breached the law when they continued to receive Christian instruction despite the king’s opposition.
Mayiga further explained that Kabaka Mwanga II viewed the growing influence of Christianity as a challenge to his authority. He noted that Christians referred to Jesus Christ as “King, Prophet and Priest,” a description that would have been unacceptable to Mwanga, who regarded himself as the highest authority in the kingdom. He said the king gave his subjects an ultimatum to choose between loyalty to him and loyalty to their new faith, and those who chose Christianity were punished.
The Katikkiro also defended Mwanga II against what he called unfair historical condemnation, arguing that the king’s actions should be understood within the circumstances and political realities of that era rather than judged solely by modern standards.
However, Christian leaders have maintained that the Uganda Martyrs died as witnesses of their faith rather than as traitors. Daniel Musiitwa said the martyrs chose to stand with God instead of submitting to demands that conflicted with their beliefs. Despite differing interpretations of history, both church leaders and Buganda Kingdom officials acknowledge the enduring significance of the martyrs, who are today celebrated as symbols of faith and conviction.
The Uganda Martyrs, comprising 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. Their sacrifice is commemorated every June 3 at the shrines in Namugongo and other martyrdom sites, attracting pilgrims from Uganda and around the world.
According to Mayiga, concepts such as freedom of religion and other individual rights were not recognized in the 19th century as they are today. He said the freedoms people enjoyed were those permitted by the king, and anyone who acted contrary to the king’s wishes risked punishment. From that perspective, he argued, the martyrs breached the law when they continued to receive Christian instruction despite the king’s opposition.
Mayiga further explained that Kabaka Mwanga II viewed the growing influence of Christianity as a challenge to his authority. He noted that Christians referred to Jesus Christ as “King, Prophet and Priest,” a description that would have been unacceptable to Mwanga, who regarded himself as the highest authority in the kingdom. He said the king gave his subjects an ultimatum to choose between loyalty to him and loyalty to their new faith, and those who chose Christianity were punished.
The Katikkiro also defended Mwanga II against what he called unfair historical condemnation, arguing that the king’s actions should be understood within the circumstances and political realities of that era rather than judged solely by modern standards.
However, Christian leaders have maintained that the Uganda Martyrs died as witnesses of their faith rather than as traitors. Daniel Musiitwa said the martyrs chose to stand with God instead of submitting to demands that conflicted with their beliefs. Despite differing interpretations of history, both church leaders and Buganda Kingdom officials acknowledge the enduring significance of the martyrs, who are today celebrated as symbols of faith and conviction.
The Uganda Martyrs, comprising 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. Their sacrifice is commemorated every June 3 at the shrines in Namugongo and other martyrdom sites, attracting pilgrims from Uganda and around the world.
