Brifly historical story of Fr. Mapeera Simeon Loured
On February 17, 1879, Mapeera, alongside Amans Delmas, arrived at the Kigungu landing site in Entebbe, becoming the first Catholic missionaries to step onto Ugandan soil. From there, they undertook a difficult 40-kilometer journey to Rubaga, seeking permission from Mutesa I to preach the Christian faith. It was during this time that the Baganda affectionately named him “Mapeera,” a local adaptation of the French phrase Mon Père (“My Father”).
who was responsible for the martyrdoms
His mission unfolded during a turbulent period in Buganda’s history. In 1886, as persecution of Christians intensified under Mwanga II, Mapeera sought to intervene. At Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, he attempted to plead for the lives of the condemned Christians but was denied entry to the palace. Standing under an empafu tree, he entrusted them to the care of Our Lady of Sorrows before their final journey to martyrdom. This moment would forever link him spiritually to the story of the Uganda Martyrs.
After returning from exile in 1889, he briefly established a mission at Bulingugwe Island, continuing his tireless work of spreading the faith. However, his life was cut short. On May 12, 1890, at the age of 37, Mapeera died in Kampala, in Rubaga, likely from hepatitis. He was buried the following day near the simple church he had begun to build.
Over time, as his legacy grew, his remains were moved to honor his contribution. He was first buried on Rubaga Hill in 1890, later reinterred at Rubaga Cathedral, and finally, on March 6, 2011, laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish Nabulagala—the site of the first Catholic mission in Uganda.
Today, Fr. Mapeera is remembered as the “Apostle of Uganda,” a pioneer whose courage, faith, and sacrifice laid the foundation of Catholicism in the country. His story remains deeply woven into Uganda’s religious and cultural heritage, inspiring generations to this day.
The Bronze monument of Pioneer Catholic Missionary in Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine Uganda; Fr. Simeon Lourdel (knowned as Mapeera).
The unveiling took place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and was presided over by Fr. Richard Nyombi, a.k.a Jajja Mapeera.
Fr. Mapeera is remembered for his courageous role during the persecution of the Uganda Martyrs. In 1886, he attempted to plead with Kabaka Mwanga at Munyonyo to spare their lives. When his efforts failed, he entrusted their fate to Our Lady of Sorrows before they were led to Namugongo for martyrdom.
In September 1889, Fr. Mapeera and Fr. Denis returned from Tanganyika to Uganda, initially settling at Bulingugwe Island, now part of Munyonyo Parish, before moving to Nabunya on Lubaga Hill in February 1890. There, they established a new mission in the presence of the Kabaka.
The bust was created by Ugandan artist Emmanuel Lwanga, who worked closely with the Parish Priest, Fr. Male. This marks Lwanga’s first bronze sculpture.
In his Homily during the 12:30 pm Mass, which preceded the unveiling, Fr. Nyombi reminded them of Fr. Mapeera’s pivotal role in bringing the Catholic faith to Uganda. “We cannot talk about faith in Uganda without mentioning Mapeera, nor can we talk about the Uganda Martyrs without mentioning him. He played a significant role in the spread of the faith in Uganda,” he said.
Fr. Nyombi added that Fr. Mapeera planted a seed of faith among the Uganda Martyrs, inspiring them to remain steadfast in their love for Christ. “They focused on Christ’s teachings, attended catechism, and went wherever they were sent, regardless of the consequences. They were only concerned with what the Lord wanted of them,” he noted.
He urged the faithful to emulate the example of the Uganda Martyrs by loving their faith and dedicating time to learning and teaching others.
The bust of Fr. Mapeera has been installed next to the Uganda Martyrs Relics Chapel. Beyond serving as a memorial, it will also function as an educational feature. An engraved plaque accompanies the sculpture, offering visitors a brief biography of Fr. Mapeera and enriching their understanding of Uganda’s Christian heritage.
The faithful have been encouraged to pray for the beatification of Fr. Mapeera.
