Uganda Martyrs Catholic Community In The Uk And Ireland

Our Mission

Teaching the Faith

To teach and preach the Catholic faith through regular worship, catechesis, and spiritual formation programs that help believers grow in their relationship with Christ.

Relieving Poverty

To provide relief for those in poverty through education, healthcare support, skills training, and programs that promote self-sufficiency and human dignity.

Preserving Culture

To promote and preserve the Buganda language, cultural traditions, history, and arts, ensuring that future generations maintain their cultural identity.

Our Story

The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Community was founded by Ugandan Catholics living in the United Kingdom and Ireland who felt called to maintain their faith and cultural identity while living far from home. Recognizing the need for a spiritual home where they could worship in familiar ways, support one another, and pass on their heritage to their children, they established this community.

The Uganda Martyrs: Our patron saints were young pages and attendants in the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda. When the king ordered them to renounce Christianity, they refused. On June 3, 1886, thirteen young men were burned to death at Namugongo. These martyrs—including Saints Charles Lwanga, Kizito (the youngest), and their companions—became the first African Catholic martyrs of the modern era.

Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs on October 18, 1964, and visited Uganda in 1969 to honor them. Every year on June 3rd, millions of pilgrims walk to Namugongo to commemorate their sacrifice. Our community continues this tradition in the UK and Ireland, celebrating Martyrs' Day with special Masses and cultural events.

Today, we serve Ugandan families across the United Kingdom and Ireland, providing not only spiritual nourishment but also practical support, educational opportunities, and a strong cultural foundation for our youth. We are proud to carry forward the legacy of courage and faith exemplified by the Uganda Martyrs.

Our Leadership and Clergy

Our community is guided by dedicated lay leaders and supported by priests who celebrate the sacraments and provide spiritual direction. Together, we work to ensure that our community remains faithful to Catholic teaching while serving the needs of our members.

We are blessed to have clergy who understand our cultural context and can minister in both English and Luganda. Our leadership team coordinates activities, organizes events, and ensures that pastoral care is available to all members.

If you have questions about our community or would like to get involved in leadership, we welcome your participation. The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Community thrives because of the commitment and service of its members.

Our Core Values

Faithfulness

Unwavering commitment to Catholic teaching and tradition

Community

Supporting one another as brothers and sisters in Christ

Service

Serving the poor and marginalized with compassion

Heritage

Preserving our cultural identity for future generations

About Our Community