history 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Buganda Kingdom Defends King Mwanga II's Actions Against Uganda Martyrs
Buganda Kingdom's Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, has stated that King Mwanga II's execution of the Uganda Martyrs was an act of punishing treason, as they defied royal decrees by embracing Christianity. This perspective reframes the historical events, considering the absolute monarchy and lack of religious freedom at the time. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/martyrs-45-men-who-defied-a-king-s-order-to-forsake-god-5482962
The Buganda Kingdom has offered a nuanced defense of King Mwanga II’s decision to execute the individuals now recognized as the Uganda Martyrs. According to Buganda’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, these 45 courtiers and subjects, primarily young men, were not simply punished for their faith, but had committed acts of treason by defying the king’s orders between 1885 and 1887.
Mayiga explained that during the 19th century, the concept of religious freedom was non-existent, and the rights individuals possessed were entirely dependent on the king’s decree. When these individuals chose to attend Christian instruction over their royal duties, they were seen as breaching the law and undermining the king’s authority. The monarch presented them with an ultimatum: choose between their newfound God and him. Their decision to prioritize their faith led to their executions.
He further elaborated that Mwanga II, as the supreme ruler, could not tolerate any claim of a ‘king’ other than himself. The description of Jesus Christ as ‘king’ was particularly offensive to the Kabaka. Mayiga presented these killings within the context of an absolute monarchy facing what it perceived as an existential threat from foreign missionaries and the religious movements they inspired.
This perspective, while acknowledging the historical events and the eventual canonization of Catholics and recognition of Anglicans as martyrs, emphasizes the political and legal framework of the time from the kingdom’s viewpoint. Rev Fr Dr Daniel Musiitwa of the Uganda Joint Christian Council offered a counterpoint, stating that while the state viewed them as betrayers, the Church considers them heroes who died for their faith.
Despite differing narratives, Mayiga urged Christians commemorating the Martyrs Day to also acknowledge the roles of Kabaka Muteesa I, who invited missionaries, and Kabaka Mwanga II, whose actions inadvertently catalyzed Christianity’s spread in Uganda. He highlighted Buganda’s historic role in opening doors to Christianity, Islam, and international engagement, significantly shaping modern Uganda. The kingdom’s openness, exemplified by Muteesa I’s letter to Queen Victoria, is seen as foundational to the nation’s development.