Saint Achilles Kiwanuku

Saint Achilles Kiwanuka was one of the 22 Roman Catholic martyrs executed in Uganda between 1885 and 1887 under the rule of Kabaka Mwanga. These individuals, along with 23 Anglicans, are collectively known as the Martyrs of Uganda.1

The persecution began with Mwanga's violent actions against Christians, including the massacre of Anglican bishop James Hannington and his colleagues. Joseph Mukasa, a Catholic who reproached Mwanga for this, was beheaded. Subsequently, Christian pages under Mukasa's guidance became targets. Charles Lwanga, Mukasa's successor, secretly baptized boys who had not yet received full religious instruction. Many of these youths were then taken to Namugongo and burned alive on June 3, 1886, including Achilles Kiwanuka. Other victims included soldiers and royal servants. Mwanga's persecution continued, leading to further deaths of both Protestant and Roman Catholic adherents. The 22 Catholic martyrs were beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964, with their feast day observed on June 3.1