A group of twenty-two servants, pageboys and diplomatic officials of Buganda, in today's Uganda, converted to Catholicism by the African missionaries of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie and killed as Christians under the reign of Mwanga II (1884-1903) between November 15, 1885 and January 27, 1887. These are the Ugandan Martyrs whom Benedict XV declared blessed on June 6, 1920 and Paul VI canonized on October 8, 1964. Of the 22, 13 were burned alive while the nine remaining were killed by different types of torture. They are Charles Lwanga, Mbaga Tuzindé, Bruno Séron Kuma, James Buzabaliao, Kizito, Ambrose Kibuka, Mgagga, Gyavira, Achilleus Kiwanuka, Adolphus Ludigo Mkasa, Mukasa Kiriwanvu, Anatoli Kiriggwajjo, Luke Banabakintu, Matiya Kalemba Murumba, Athanasius Badzekuketta, Ponsiano Ngondwé, Gonzaga Gonza, Andrea Kagwa, Noe Mawgalli, James Mkasa Balikuddembé, John Maria Muzéi (Iamari), and Denis Sebugwao.
Charles Lwanga, who was born in the city of Bulimu and baptized on November 15, 1885, is the most famous of the group to the point that, in 1969, Paul VI chose his place of martyrdom to name the big Namugongo Shrine after the 22 martyrs. Charles attracted the admiration and goodwill from everyone for his great spiritual gifts. As the head of the royal palace's youth, he strengthened their commitment to preserving their faith and chastity, rejecting the enticements of sovereignty. While imprisoned, he openly encouraged the catechumens to persevere their love for religion, which carried him to his torment with admirable strength of mind at the age of twenty.
Mbaga Tuzindé was a young man from the royal court and still a catechumen when the persecution broke out. He was baptized by Charles Lwanga shortly before being sent to death with him.
Bruno Séron Kuma, born in the village of Mbalé and baptized on November 15, 1885, was welcomed among the young Christians who served at the palace. He was martyred at the age of twenty-six.
James Buzabaliao, baptized on November 15, 1885, was distinguished by his extraordinary religious ardor, making every effort to convince and encourage his neighbor, including Mwanga himself, who had not ascended to his father's throne so to embrace the faith of Christ.
Kizito was an innocent soul and the youngest of the group to suffer martyrdom at the age of thirteen. He was the son of one of the highest dignitaries of the kingdom and radiated with purity and strength of mind. Shortly before being thrown into prison, he was baptized by Charles Lwanga.
Ambrose Kibuka, baptized on November 17, 1885, was also a young man from the royal court who kept his firm and ardent faith until his atrocious death, which he faced in the name of Christ at the age of twenty-two.
Mgagga was a catechumen and imprisoned for declaring himself a Christian. Before being killed he was baptized by Charles Lwanga.
Gyavira was a catechumen and sentenced to death by Mwanga after making a profession of faith. Charles Lwanga baptized him the night before his execution.
Achille Kiwanuka, born in Mitiyana as a young man from the royal palace, was baptized on November 17, 1885. He courageously set out for his last anguish after he had fearlessly professed his Christian faith before the king when he was seventeen years old.
Adolphus Ludigo Mkasa received his baptism on November 17, 1885 and observed the Catholic faith in a holy way, professing it firmly until his death which he faced in the name of Christ at the age of twenty-five.
Mukasa Kiriwanu was a young man of the royal court. While the executioners were leading Charles Lwanga and his companions to the Namugongo hill, he answered yes to the question of whether he too was a Christian and was led to be executed with the others.
Anatoli Kiriggwajjo, baptized on November 17, 1885, observed with great conviction the precepts of Christian life to the point of rejecting a position that had been offered to him by the king without hesitation, believing that it could in some way jeopardize his achievement of eternal salvation.
Luke Banabakintu, after receiving his baptism and confirmation, approached the sacred celebration of the Eucharist for the first time on May 28, 1882. From then on, he showed himself as an example of moral integrity and observance of the commandments to everyone.
Matiya Kalemba Murumba was fifty years old when he was martyred. Chosen to serve as a judge, he resigned after his baptism on May 28, 1882 because he was afraid that his sentences would harm his neighbor. Gifted with great modesty and a gentle soul, he was so fervent in his zeal for religious apostolate that he not only educated his children to live in holiness but tried to teach Christian doctrine to as many people as he could.
Athanasius Badzekuketta was baptized on 17 November 1885 and chosen from among the young people serving in the royal palace. He followed with great devotion the commandments of God and the Church and was martyred on May 26, 1886 at eighteen years old.
Ponsiano Ngondwé was thrown into prison with the other members of the group after receiving his baptism on November 18, 1885. Sentenced to death, he was martyred on May 26, 1886.
Gonzaga Gonza was a young man from the palace and baptized on November 17, 1885. He fulfilled his religious obligations with devotion and was particularly distinguished by his virtue of charity. He was martyred at the age of eighteen on May 27, 1886.
Andrew Kagwa, who was dear to all for his great spirit, not only taught Christian doctrine to those who approached him but gave himself with extraordinary charity to the sick during the plague epidemic that had spread in the region. He brought many of the sick closer to Christ by sprinkling them with baptismal water and burying the dead. On May 26, 1886, at the age of thirty, the venerable servant of God was martyred and reached heavenly glory.
Noe Mawgalli, being baptized on November 1, 1885, shone greatly with Christian virtues. He died at the age of thirty on May 31, 1886 by being struck by the spear of assassins who King Mwanga had ordered to destroy Christians homes.
Joseph Mkasa Balikuddembé initially enjoyed the trust of King Mwanga. After receiving baptism and confirmation, he took Holy Communion for the first time on April 30, 1882 to which he approached earnestly. With a gentle heart, charity and religious inspiration that characterized him, he was able to bring many young people from the royal palace closer to Christ, urging them and other courtiers with advice and encouragement not to indulge in the sovereign's lustfulness. He was martyred at the age of twenty-six on November 15, 1885.
John Maria Muzéi (Iamari) had such a serious appearance that he was honored with the name Muzéi, that is to say "old man," also for prudence, charity, sweetness of spirit, and generosity towards the poor and concern for the sick. He also dedicated his belongings and commitment to redeem the prisoners who he then educated in the Christian faith. It is said that he learned all the doctrine of a catechumen in a single day. Baptized on November 1, 1885 and anointed with the Holy Chrism on June 3rd of the following year, he was martyred on January 27, 1887.
Denis Sebuggwao was born in the village of Bunono as a young man from the royal palace. He was baptized on November 17, 1885 and was distinguished for his moral integrity. He died a martyr at fifteen years old on May 26, 1886.