Mengo Archdeaconry celebrates 128th Anniversary of Musa Mukasa Martrydom

Celebrating 128 years of the Martyrdom of Musa Mukasa the 5th Anglican Martyr at Mulungu Munyonyo was celebrated with colour and pomp. People from all walks of life from far and near went to the lake side Martyrdom site to remember the courage this young man who hand't studied a lot of theology or academics. He was one of the few people that stood out for Christ and today 128 year later, Christianity is more stronger than before in this country.

The celebrations to remember the martyr are organised by the Anglican Mengo Archdeaconry, a metropolitan archdeaconry and the oldest in Uganda under the Namirembe Diocese. It is held every last Sunday of May but the actual date on which Musa Mukasa was speared to death by Kabaka Mwanga was 25th May 1886.

A book written by Ven. John Gitta Kavuma about Musa Mukasa

This time round the Archdeacon, Ven. John Gitta Kavuma wrote a book entitled the Genesis of Musa Mukasa Chapel. It talks about Musa Mukasa Muzingiiti, the man who used to start the fire in the King's traditional shrine. Later on when  the king became a moslem, Musa Mukasa was given the authority of a   muezzin  the person appointed at a mosque to lead, and recite, the call to prayer (adhan) for every event of prayer and worship in the mosque. It is based on this background that he was named Muzingiiti. The book also talks about Musa Mukasa the Christian Martyr the only one speared by Kabaka Mwanga himself. It further looks at the development of Musa Mukasa Martyrdom site.

Rev. Can. Nelson Kaweesa launches the book as Ven. John Gitta Kavuma Looks on

Rev. Can. Nelson Kaweesa launches the book as Ven. John Gitta Kavuma Looks on

Rev. Can. Nelson Kaweesa launches the book as Ven. John Gitta Kavuma Looks on



Rev. Can. Nelson Kaweesa launches the book as Ven. John Gitta Kavuma Looks on


During the launch of this book at Munyonyo Mulungu, the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Can. Nelson Kaweesa said that it was good to have such historical events written in a form of a book because such a written word lasts for ages unlike a spoken word.

The singing of the songs and praises made the day look like heaven had descended down to earth, you would see, the old and the young all praising God with happiness as they sung the Martyrs' anthem composed by the late Yusufu Byangwa. You could see people singing with loud voices " Beewaayo, abaana beebazibwa kulwaffe baawaayo obulamu n'ebyonna....." with the chorus going as follows " Aleruuya, ku lwa Yesu Battibwa nga bayimba. beewaayo abaana beebazibwa ku lwaffe baawaayo obulamu n'ebyonna" 

Rev Kalungi Preaching to pilgrims at Munyonyo

Rev Kalungi Preaching to pilgrims at Munyonyo

The clergy

Part of the congregation

The guest preacher was Rev. Kalungi whose message rotated around the Namirembe Diocesan 2014 Theme:Ephesians 5:16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time,because the days are evil. 
He appealed to Christians to take the example of Musa Mukasa who never denounced Christ at the hour of death but death as he was singing "Bulijjo tutendereza ekibuga kyaffe ekyazimbibwa mu ggulu" After the sermon, over 50 people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savoir.
 The Archdeacon of Mengo, Ven. John Gitta Kavuma narrated the events that led to the death of Musa Mukasa. He thanked the Lay Reader Mr. Douglas Kiwanuka and the entire Church leadership for keeping the christian fire burning at Musa Mukasa Chapel.

The Head of Laity, Mrs. Margaret Magumba said that the Archdeaconry Council has plans of turning Munyonyo into an ultra modern Martyrdom site with a prayer retreat centre, recreational gardens and a small museum for Musa Mukasa the 5th Martyr.

In the afternoon the Choirs from the parishes that make up this archdeaconry, competed in a choral music and the Sunday School children recited poems about Musa Mukasa. The day was such a wonderful day.The service was broadcast live by Namirembe 93.9FM.
 See you at Namugongo on 3rd June.