Mukajanga’s well is located at Namugongo on the side of the Anglican shrine in Uganda. The name Namugongo is derived from a Luganda word Omugongo or the human back. Ssekabaka (Late King) Kyabaggu established the site between 1750 and 1780 as the official execution site for the royalty. In 1886, Mukajanga executed the Uganda Martyrs on these grounds.
Shortly before Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the execution of the young boys, he had appointed Mukwanga as commander of Buganda Kingdom’s army.
45 Uganda Christian martyrs executed after rebelling against the king accepted the one God.
Mukajanga had to please his king by obeying his command of killing 22 catholics and 23 protestant boys.
Mukajanga’s men dragged the subjects on their backs through out their dreadful journey to meet death.
On seeing the butally wounded, onlookers would ask in Luganda, Bali Batuuse batya wano? How did the other ones arrive here? the answer was, Bazze Namugongo. They travelled by the back. Hence the name Namugongo.
After killing the young boys, Mukajanga together with his boys washed their bloody hands and tools in this small well.
Mukajanga’s well today.
Every year, days before and after every 3rd June, thounsands lines up to fetch blessed water from Mukajanga’s well.
The Vatican canonised both Anglicans and Catholics martyrs. However, the water from this well matters most to the Catholic neighbors.
This is because of the adoration and veneration they accord to the canonised martyrs / saints.
Anglicans respect this tradition and do everything in their ability to grant unlimited access to Mukajanga’s well.
The Anglican Shirines.
Mukajanga getting ready to burn the martyrs.Besides pilgrims done on 3rd June of every year, one can dedicate an educational tour to these grounds. It is always an enriching visit because important history and buildings stand on these grounds.
These include;
The Martyrs’ Museus potraying the execution of the whole martydom event.
The grave holding the harshes of the brutally burnt martyrs.
A small old church with an ancient lectern inside the museus. This is where prayerswere held from back in the days.
While on the Catholic side stands the Roman Catholic minor basilica with calm and serene eviroment.
you surely can not miss to include Uganda Martyrs Namugongo on your Kampala tour.
