Remembering Mukajanga's Role in Uganda's History as the Country prepares to celebrate Martyr's Day 2024.
In the lush, green Wakiso District of Uganda, a name echoes through the valleys and over the hills—Mukajanga. Known formally as Paul Kibuuka Musigula, Mukajanga was the chief executioner of the Buganda Kingdom. His legacy is a mixed bag of notoriety and crucial historical significance. He was the man who, under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, executed 45 young Christians—23 Anglicans and 22 Catholics—at Namugongo between 1885 and 1887. This grim task has cemented his place in history as the trigger for what is now known as Uganda Martyrs' Day, celebrated annually on June 3.
The Man Behind the Ax
Before you start thinking of Mukajanga as a medieval villain twirling his mustache, let's set the scene straight. Mukajanga wasn’t your typical bad guy; he was a loyal servant of his king and kingdom. Picture this: A fierce protector, clad in the traditional wear of the Baganda, defending his homeland against the encroaching influences of colonialists and religious insurgents. The orders to execute the young Christians came directly from Kabaka Mwanga II, who saw the new religious converts as a threat to his authority and the kingdom's traditional beliefs.
The Family's Plea
Fast forward to today, and Mukajanga's descendants find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They live in Buyonga—Kikandwa Village in Wakiso District, a place that should, by all accounts, be a bustling tourist hub. Instead, it's more like a forgotten relic, overshadowed by the very event that their ancestor's actions set into motion.
Fredrick Nsubuga Gaggawala, a third-line descendant of Mukajanga, feels the neglect keenly. “What is happening is like praising the golden eggs and neglecting the goose. You cannot like the golden eggs and ignore the bird that laid them,” he quips, with a touch of frustration and a pinch of poetic flair. The family has been campaigning for financial support to upgrade Mukajanga’s burial site into a modern tourist attraction, but their calls have so far gone unanswered.
A Royal Burial Ground in Disrepair
Today, Mukajanga's tomb is nestled in a humble building within the family cemetery in Buyonga Village. A large signpost greets visitors with, "Welcome to the site of Mukajanga, the loyal royal guard of Buganda Kingdom remembered for Namugongo 1829-1900." Inside, ten graves lie, with Mukajanga’s standing out, covered in backcloth and white sheets—more like a scene from a gothic novel than a historical site.
Ms. Ketty Bulya, a 104-year-old granddaughter of Mukajanga, provides a stern reminder of her grandfather’s loyalty. Clad in a traditional gomesi, she speaks with the authority only a centenarian can muster, "He [Mukajanga] was fighting for his kingdom and his country. The enemy had attacked the kingdom, and when the Kabaka ordered him to act to defeat the enemy, he respected the directive just like any other commander. We need to honor him."
From Executioner to Tourist Attraction?
The family’s vision is ambitious. They plan to expand the current structure housing Mukajanga’s tomb and build a hotel to accommodate tourists, among other facilities. Mr. Nsubuga Eliasafu, another clan member known as Mukajanga Omulamu (literally, the living Mukajanga), dreams of a bustling site where history buffs and curious tourists can learn about the past while sipping on a cold drink from their future hotel bar. However, dreams require money, and their calls for financial support have yet to materialize.
The Call for Recognition
Christine Nakkazi, the administrator of Mukajanga's lineage, sums up their plea succinctly: "We don't want to worship Mukajanga or his family, but we do want recognition for his role in history and support to preserve his resting place."
So, as we approach another Uganda Martyrs' Day, it might be worth sparing a thought—and perhaps a few coins—for the family of Mukajanga. They are the custodians of a significant piece of history, albeit a dark one, and they believe that their ancestor deserves more than just a footnote in the annals of Uganda’s past. After all, even the goose that lays golden eggs deserves a pat on the back (or at least a well-maintained coop).
A Humble Request
In closing, Mr. Gaggawala’s metaphor rings true. It's time to stop just admiring the golden eggs and start appreciating the goose that laid them. Perhaps next time you visit Namugongo, consider a short detour to Buyonga Village. Who knows, you might even get a warm welcome from Mukajanga’s descendants and hear some fascinating tales straight from the source.
In the end, history is not just about the heroes and the martyrs; it’s also about the ones who played the less glamorous roles. Mukajanga, with his grim task, was one such figure. His actions, however dark, helped shape the course of history, and that deserves a nod, if not a full-blown salute.
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