Martyrs' Day in Uganda Date in the current year: June 3, 2024

Namugongo became the place of pilgrimage for people from Uganda and its neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The pilgrimage begins from May 25 and lasts till June 2. June 3 is the climax of celebration and it's an official day off.

The Uganda Martyrs are 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic converts, who were executed between November 1885 and January 1887. The execution was held under Kabaka Mwanga II, king of Buganda from 1884 till 1888 and again from 1889 till 1897. The widest series of executions were held in Namugongo between May 25 and June 3, 1886. 22 men converted to Catholicism were buried alive.

The climax celebrations of Martyrs' Day are organized by dioceses year after year. The Mass begins at 10 a.m. and it's accomplished by liturgical dances. The celebration is attended by ministers, representatives from embassies and other states.