In Summary: The Church of Uganda has commemorated 141 years since the martyrdom of Bishop James Hannington, with Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu calling on Christians to emulate the faith, courage and integrity of the martyrs while promoting unity, peace and reconciliation. The commemoration took place at Kyando in Mayuge District under the theme, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Peace and Stability.”
Mayuge, Uganda — The Church of Uganda has commemorated 141 years since the martyrdom of Bishop James Hannington, with Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu urging Christians to uphold faith, integrity, unity and reconciliation.
The commemoration was held at Kyando in Mayuge District, Busoga Diocese, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, under the theme, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Peace and Stability,” drawn from Ephesians 2:12–14.
Bishop Hannington, the first Anglican Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, was killed on October 29, 1885, while on a missionary journey to the Buganda Kingdom.
Archbishop Kaziimba was the main celebrant at the commemoration, which was attended by government officials and Church leaders. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, while Minister of State for Lands Persis Namuganza also attended.
In his sermon, Kaziimba reflected on the sacrifice of Christian martyrs and challenged believers to emulate their faith, courage, integrity and commitment to Christ. He also emphasised the importance of promoting unity, peace and reconciliation, themes that formed the centre of this year’s commemoration.
The anniversary provided an opportunity for Christians to reflect on Hannington’s life and the history of Anglican Christianity in Uganda, while renewing calls for peaceful coexistence and commitment to Christian values.
Retracing Bishop Hannington’s final journey
Later in the afternoon, Kaziimba, accompanied by bishops and other Church leaders, visited the historic Bishop Hannington site at Budimo in Busia District, Bukedi Diocese. The visit retraced the journey of Hannington’s remains following his martyrdom at Kyando in 1885.
According to the Church of Uganda, Budimo is where his remains were temporarily kept in the branches of a Mutaabi tree for three to four days as his companions transported them towards the Kenyan coast, with the intention of eventually returning them to England.
That journey did not achieve its intended purpose, and Hannington’s remains were later buried at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.
The Budimo site is among the historic religious locations being developed and promoted as destinations for religious tourism, an initiative championed by Canon Justice James Ogoola, Deputy Provincial Chancellor of the Church of Uganda and former Principal Judge of Uganda.
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