Things to Do in Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Uganda

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine stands as one of Uganda's most significant religious and historical sites, located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Kampala. This sacred ground commemorates the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts who were brutally executed between 1885-1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The shrine has become a major pilgrimage destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of faithful from across East Africa and beyond, particularly during the annual Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3rd. The site features two main shrines - the Catholic Basilica and the Anglican Church - both built on the exact spots where the martyrs were killed. The modern Catholic Basilica, completed in 1975, showcases traditional Ugandan architectural elements with its distinctive dome and can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers. The surrounding grounds include the Martyrs Museum, various monuments, and the sacred lake where some martyrs were tortured, creating a deeply moving spiritual experience that attracts both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts seeking to understand Uganda's complex colonial and religious heritage.

Top Things to Do in Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Catholic Basilica Tour and Mass Attendance

Visit the stunning Catholic Basilica built on the execution site of the Catholic martyrs, featuring beautiful stained glass windows depicting the martyrs' stories. Attend daily mass or special services to experience the spiritual atmosphere that draws pilgrims from across Africa. The basilica's unique architecture blends modern design with traditional Ugandan elements.

Booking Tip: No booking required for general visits (free entry), but arrive early for popular masses. Special guided tours available for 10,000-20,000 UGX per person. Best visited during weekday mornings for quieter reflection or during major religious celebrations for the full cultural experience.

Martyrs Museum and Historical Exhibition

Explore the comprehensive museum that chronicles the story of the Uganda Martyrs through artifacts, photographs, and detailed historical accounts. Learn about the political and religious tensions of 19th century Buganda kingdom and the courage of young converts who chose death over renouncing their faith. The museum provides crucial context for understanding the significance of the shrine.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately 5,000 UGX for adults and 2,000 UGX for students. Open daily 8 AM-6 PM, with guided tours available for an additional 15,000 UGX. Visit during weekdays for more personalized attention from guides who can provide detailed historical insights.

Anglican Church and Memorial Grounds

Visit the Anglican Church and memorial site dedicated to the 23 Anglican martyrs, offering a different architectural style and denominational perspective on the same historical events. Walk through the peaceful memorial gardens and reflect at various monuments marking significant locations in the martyrs' final days. The site provides a contemplative atmosphere for prayer and meditation.

Booking Tip: Free entry with voluntary donations welcomed. Services held on Sundays and special occasions - check local schedules. Best visited in combination with the Catholic site for a complete understanding of the martyrs' story. Allow 1-2 hours for thorough exploration.

Sacred Lake and Torture Sites

Walk around the sacred lake where several martyrs were tortured before their execution, now a place of pilgrimage and reflection. The site includes various markers and monuments indicating specific locations where historical events occurred. Many visitors find this to be the most emotionally powerful part of their shrine visit.

Booking Tip: Included in general shrine access (free). Best experienced with a local guide who can explain the historical significance of each location (guides available for 20,000-30,000 UGX). Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the most peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.

Annual Martyrs Day Celebration

Experience Uganda's most significant religious celebration on June 3rd, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gather to commemorate the martyrs through masses, processions, and cultural performances. The event features traditional music, dance, and a massive outdoor papal mass attended by government officials and religious leaders from across East Africa. This is considered one of Africa's largest annual religious gatherings.

Booking Tip: Free event but requires significant advance planning for accommodation and transport as Kampala becomes extremely crowded. Book hotels 2-3 months ahead and expect prices to triple. Arrive very early (4-5 AM) to secure good viewing positions. Consider staying outside Kampala and taking early transport.

Getting There

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is easily accessible from Kampala, located about 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. The most convenient option is taking a taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) directly from Kampala, which costs 20,000-40,000 UGX and takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, take a matatu (shared taxi) from Kampala's taxi parks heading to Namugongo for around 3,000-5,000 UGX per person. For international visitors, fly into Entebbe International Airport (45 kilometers away) and arrange transport through your hotel or hire a private car. During Martyrs Day celebrations, special transport arrangements and road closures are in effect, so plan accordingly.

Getting Around

The shrine complex is compact and easily explored on foot, with well-maintained paths connecting the various sites including both churches, the museum, and memorial grounds. Most visitors can comfortably walk the entire complex in 2-3 hours, though the terrain includes some gentle hills. Boda-bodas are available at the entrance for those with mobility concerns or to travel between the Catholic and Anglican sites quickly. During major celebrations, free shuttle services may operate between different areas of the complex. The site is wheelchair accessible in most areas, though some memorial locations may require walking on unpaved paths.

Where to Stay

Kampala Central Business District

Kololo and Nakasero Hills

Bugolobi and Luzira

Mukono Town

Jinja Road Corridor

Entebbe (near airport)

Food & Dining

Dining options near Namugongo Shrine are limited, with most visitors eating in Kampala before or after their visit. Small local restaurants and food stalls around the shrine offer basic Ugandan dishes like matoke (steamed bananas), posho, and grilled meat for 5,000-15,000 UGX per meal. For a wider selection, head to nearby Mukono town which has several restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. During major religious celebrations, temporary food vendors set up around the shrine selling traditional snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks. Most upscale dining options are found back in Kampala, where you can enjoy everything from traditional Ugandan cuisine at local restaurants to international fare at hotel restaurants and cafes in areas like Kololo and the city center.

When to Visit

The shrine can be visited year-round, but the experience varies significantly depending on timing and weather. The dry seasons (December-February and June-August) offer the most comfortable weather for walking around the outdoor memorial sites and attending outdoor services. June 3rd Martyrs Day is the most significant time to visit, offering an unparalleled cultural and religious experience, but requires extensive advance planning due to massive crowds. For a more peaceful, contemplative visit, weekdays during the dry season are ideal. Avoid the rainy seasons (March-May and September-November) if possible, as outdoor areas can become muddy and some paths may be difficult to navigate, though the spiritual significance remains unchanged regardless of weather.

Insider Tips

Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting - long pants and covered shoulders are expected at both religious sites, and many visitors wear white clothing as a sign of respect during special occasions

Bring cash in small denominations for donations, museum entry, and local transport as card payment options are extremely limited in the area

Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance who can provide detailed historical context and personal stories about the martyrs - their insights greatly enhance the emotional and educational impact of the visit

Things to Do in Namugongo Martyrs Shrine