Martyrs' Day in Uganda commemorates the execution of 45 Christian converts, known as the Ugandan Martyrs, between 1885 and 1887 by order of King Mwanga II of Buganda. This solemn occasion has grown into one of the largest religious pilgrimages in Africa, drawing millions of faithful from across the continent.

When is Martyr's Day?

Martyr's Day is celebrated every year on June 3.

The following is the list of Martyr's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Martyr's Day?

Martyrs' Day is one of Uganda's most revered public holidays and one of the largest Christian pilgrimages in Africa, drawing millions of believers each year to Namugongo, the site of the executions.

In the late 1800s, Christian missionaries from Europe, both Anglican (Church Missionary Society) and Catholic (White Fathers), began evangelizing in the Kingdom of Buganda, part of present-day Uganda.

Many converts were young male pages in the royal court who adopted Christian teachings, which included monotheism, sexual morality, and loyalty to God above earthly kings. These new beliefs clashed with Buganda's traditional culture and challenged the authority of King Mwanga II, who saw them as a threat to his rule and customs.

Mwanga II demanded that converts renounce their new faith. When they refused, he ordered their torture and execution. Between 1885 and 1887, a total of 45 men and boys were killed. They included St. Charles Lwanga (leader of the Catholic converts, burned alive at Namugongo), St. Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe (executed for opposing Mwanga's violent actions), and Anglican martyr James Hannington (the first Anglican bishop to Uganda, murdered in 1885).

In 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized 22 of the Catholic martyrs as saints, the first African saints to be officially recognized in modern times. The Anglican Church of Uganda also honors its martyrs in its calendar and services.

The martyrdom is considered a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity in Africa and a symbol of faith, courage and conviction.

June 3 became an official public holiday in Uganda and a major religious event, which stands as a powerful reminder that faith can triumph over fear, and that courage in the face of injustice can inspire generations.