Kyando Hill: Preserving the Final Moments of Slain Bishop James Hannington

Kyando Hill stands as a poignant historical landmark in Uganda, marking the final moments of Anglican missionary Bishop James Hannington. Born in England in 1847 and consecrated as a bishop in 1884, Hannington journeyed to East Africa to spread the gospel. His mission, however, was cut short when he was killed on October 29, 1885, on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda and Busoga Chief Luba. Before his execution, his reported final message was a resolute declaration: “Go tell your master that I have purchased the road to Uganda with my blood.”

His tragic death preceded the broader persecution and execution of Christian converts in Buganda between 1885 and 1886. Today, the Bishop Hannington Memorial Site stands as one of the earliest and largest Christian martyrdom locations in the country, serving as a powerful reminder of faith and sacrifice.

To honor this rich history and attract pilgrims, the government has injected Shs7 billion into the site to improve infrastructure, including the construction of a dedicated access road. Local authorities estimate that Mayuge District stands to earn around Shs500 million annually from religious tourism once developments are fully completed.

Read the full story originally published by the Daily Monitor.