The Capture and Early Life of Matthias Kalemba(Ugandan Martyr)

The Capture and Early Life of Matthias Kalemba by Davis Owomugisha Kanzikwera 

Matthias Kalemba, originally named Wante, was born around 1836 in Bunya County, Busoga. He and his mother were captured by a Baganda raiding party from the Otter Clan and taken to Buganda as slaves. His captors sold him to Magatto of the Edible-Rat Clan, an uncle of the Chancellor Mukasa. Magatto treated him more like a family member than a slave. As he grew up, Wante became accepted as part of the clan and changed his name to Kalemba.

After Magatto's death, Kalemba stayed with Magatto’s brother, Buzibwa, before leaving to work for Ddumba, the county chief of Ssingo. His loyalty and reliability led Ddumba to rely heavily on him, eventually making him head of the household and supervisor of other servants. When Ddumba died, his brother Kabunga recognized Kalemba's value and created a special post for him called Ekirumba, honoring Ddumba. This made Kalemba known as the Mulumba.

### Kalemba's Conversion to Christianity

Kalemba was a large, light-skinned man with a small beard and a slightly pock-marked face. He was strong, fearless, and passionate about the truth. His search for truth led him first to Islam, which he found superior to local superstitions. However, when Protestant missionaries arrived, he was drawn to Christianity and attended their instructions. 

While supervising the building of houses for Catholic missionaries, Kalemba became convinced of their teachings. He recalled his adopted father Magatto’s belief that truth would one day be brought to the Baganda by outsiders. Kalemba’s conviction grew stronger after attending Catholic catechetical instructions, and he became a catechumen on May 31, 1880.

### Separation from His Wives

As an assistant county chief to Mukwenda, Kalemba had many wives, which was a sign of prestige. However, upon embracing Christianity, he separated from all but one of his wives, Kikuwambazza (Kikuwa), whom he married in the Catholic Church. He provided for his former wives, ensuring they were supported. 

Kikuwa became a devout Catholic, and they had two children. Despite initial hesitation from the priests about baptizing him, Kalemba assured them of his commitment to Catholicism. He was baptized on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 1882, taking the name Matthias.

### Evangelization and Suffering

After becoming a Catholic, Kalemba freed his servants and treated them well. He carried his own luggage on journeys, a humble act for a chief. During Lent, he fasted rigorously and abstained from meat on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

With Catholic missionaries in exile, Kalemba was tasked with evangelizing a large part of Buganda, excluding the palace and nearby areas. His headquarters were in Mityana, and he established three other stations: Nseege, Kiyegga (Mukono), and Masaka. He traveled extensively on foot, balancing his duties as both a civil servant and an evangelist.

### Martyrdom

When persecution of Christians intensified, Kalemba was brought before the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) on May 26, 1886. He was questioned about his faith and his decision to send away his wives. Despite his calm and confident responses, the Katikkiro ordered his execution.

Kalemba was taken to Namugongo, but fearing a pardon from the King, he urged his executioners to kill him sooner. They cruelly mutilated him, cutting off his arms and legs and stripping flesh from his back. For three days and nights, he lay suffering, repeatedly invoking God's name until he died on May 30, 1886.

### Legacy and Recognition

After Kalemba’s death, the Chancellor regretted his actions upon learning of Kalemba’s connection to his family. He ensured that Kalemba’s widow was cared for. The Catholic missionaries were deeply moved by Kalemba's faith and commitment. He had shown great humility and dedication to his new faith, leading many to recognize his martyrdom as a profound act of devotion.

Matthias Kalemba’s story is a testament to his unwavering faith and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his beliefs.