“God and Caesar”:Relics of Uganda Martyrs Return Home for Multimedia Historical Exhibition

Ugandans have been granted a rare opportunity to witness the story of the Uganda Martyrs through a special exhibition ahead of the 60th anniversary of their canonization.

Titled “God and Caesar,” this unique exhibition was officially opened to the public by the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, on Saturday, 14th September, and will run until 31st October 2024.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary, the Centre for African Studies at Uganda Martyrs University, in collaboration with the custodians of the Kampala Archdiocese Archives, the Missionaries of Africa Archives in Rome, the Multimedia Editorial Archives in the Vatican, and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Munyonyo Basilica, along with key partnerships with academic and faith-based institutions in and beyond Uganda, will host this first-ever multimedia historical exhibition on the story of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Uganda Martyrs are the first Black people to be canonized by the Catholic Church in modern times.

For Uganda, the return of these relics to their native land is a cause for celebration, as the Martyrs are considered the fathers of the nation’s faith. For Africa, the return of the Uganda Martyrs’ mortal remains affirms the central role of African people in the development of the Christian faith.

According to Dr. David Ngendo Tshimba of the Centre for African Studies at Uganda Martyrs University, who is the curator of the exhibition, the relics of the Martyrs are being showcased in commemoration of their canonization.

“We have prepared this historical exhibition to showcase the relics, which will be with us for about a month. It features rarely seen archival documents that illuminate the lives and deaths of the Holy Uganda Martyrs. It also features photographs and films made at the Vatican during the canonization by Pope Paul VI in June 1964,” said Dr. Tshimba.

Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, highlighted the privilege of showing that the institution’s role extends beyond awarding degrees, demonstrating its relevance to the Church and the responsibility of promoting the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs.

“Uganda Martyrs University was launched on 18th October 1993, and this date holds great significance for us because on 18th October 1964, these 22 gallant men were canonized as saints. Our founding and their canonization are indeed divinely aligned. As a university, we see this as the start of a long journey, positioning ourselves to be the go-to center for scholarly work on the Uganda Martyrs,” said Prof. Kyamanywa.

Fr. Anthony Musubire, co-curator of the exhibition and representative of the Chancellor for Kampala Archdiocese, noted that Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has been supportive of the university’s efforts to exhibit the relics and important documents. He was present at Entebbe International Airport to receive the relics last week.

After receiving the relics, the archbishop, along with the team, joined the Christians of Munyonyo for a thanksgiving Mass for the temporary return of the relics to Uganda at the Minor Basilica.

“He tasked me with working closely with the university to ensure the success of this project so that we can all learn from the story of the Uganda Martyrs. Beyond the religious aspect, how can we spiritually improve our lives by reflecting on the example of the Uganda Martyrs? How did they achieve this?” Fr. Musubire shared.

The chief guest, Hon. Butime, emphasized the promotion of religious tourism and announced that his ministry will now take responsibility for the 3rd June Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo Basilica.

“This is faith-based tourism. Therefore, the budgeting for 3rd June will now be the responsibility of my ministry,” said the Minister.

He further commended the university and the Kampala Archdiocese for organizing the return of the relics and mentioned that his ministry is working to ensure that Ugandan artifacts still in foreign countries, especially in Europe, are returned home.

Among the relics to be returned are a jawbone of Charles Lwanga, leader of the Christian group in Mwanga’s court, who was incinerated from the feet upward in a fire at Namugongo; a cross made from the muvule tree to which Saint Mathias Mulumba’s body was dismembered at both knees and elbows, dying in agony; and the chains of iron that bound the feet of Saints Balikudembe and Muggaga as they were brought, unprotesting, from Mengo to the scene of their martyrdom.