Uganda Martyrs Were Viewed as Traitors Under Buganda Law, Says Mayiga

By Skika Reporter

Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has sparked debate after describing the Uganda Martyrs as traitors under the laws of their time, arguing that Kabaka Mwanga II should be judged within the historical circumstances that shaped his reign.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Monitor during this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day commemorations, Mayiga said the young Christian converts were regarded as having committed treason because they chose allegiance to their faith over obedience to the king.

“Kabaka Mwanga ordered the killing of the martyrs because they breached the law; they committed treason,” Mayiga said.

“In the eyes of the king and his officials at that time, they committed treason.”

Mayiga explained that the conflict between Mwanga and the converts was primarily a question of authority and loyalty rather than religion alone.

According to the Katikkiro, the Christian teaching that Jesus Christ is king, priest and prophet posed a challenge to Mwanga’s position as the supreme authority in Buganda.

He noted that the king expected loyalty and service from his officials and subjects, but some instead devoted themselves to Christian instruction and worship.

“So, when the king wanted to be served by his officials and servants and they instead attended Christian instruction, then that was going to offend him,” Mayiga said.

He added that the converts were given a choice between loyalty to the throne and commitment to their new faith.

“And when they opted for the newly-found God, he punished them,” he said.

Mayiga argued that modern interpretations of the martyrdoms often fail to consider the realities of leadership and governance during the late 19th century.

“I think Kabaka Mwanga II shouldn’t be vilified for that. That’s a gross misinterpretation of history and a gross misunderstanding of the circumstances that prevailed during his reign,” he said.

The Katikkiro further maintained that many rulers faced with a perceived threat to their authority would likely have reacted in a similar manner.

Despite defending Mwanga’s actions within their historical context, Mayiga stressed that the Buganda Kingdom today fully embraces Christianity and honours the Uganda Martyrs as heroes of faith.

“The kingdom has embraced Christianity. And the martyrs are looked at as pillars of faith,” he said.

He urged Christians to use Martyrs Day as an opportunity to reflect on sacrifice, leadership and service to society.

Mayiga also highlighted the contribution of Buganda’s monarchs to the spread of religion in Uganda, noting that Kabaka Muteesa I welcomed missionaries into the kingdom and created an environment that allowed Christianity to take root.

He added that there is no contradiction between Buganda culture and the Christian faith, arguing that understanding the historical circumstances surrounding the martyrdoms does not diminish the significance of the martyrs’ sacrifice.

“There is no tension between culture and faith since we fully understand that the actions of Kabaka Mwanga II were fully within his mandate,” Mayiga said.

His remarks have reignited discussion about the historical interpretation of the Uganda Martyrs, whose execution between 1885 and 1887 remains one of the most significant events in Uganda’s religious history.