Historical Background

St. Andrew Kaggwa,  executed on 26 May 1886 under the orders of King Mwanga II, was buried by early Christians in a simple grave at Munyonyo. His body, scattered during the persecution, made Munyonyo truly “land sprinkled with the blood of the Martyrs.”
For years the grave remained undeveloped until the renewed devotion after canonization of the Uganda Martyrs in 1964 inspired the construction of a chapel in the 1970s. Since then, the site has grown into a place of grace, deep prayer, and many pilgrimages, with Mass frequently celebrated on the very grave of the saint.

The upper floor known as the “Uganda martyrs relics chapel” where there is the Altar for celebrating Holy Mass for the small numbered pilgraims at munyonyo martyrs shrine with the display of the relics of Uganda martyrs for private veneration and personal prayers

Renovation Works Which  were done on the Tomb

The recent renovation has fully modernized the chapel while preserving its sacred character and historical identity. The upgraded structure now serves as both a memorial to St. Andrew Kaggwa and a permanent home for the relics of several Uganda Martyrs.

1. Transformation of the Upper Floor into the “Chapel of the Relics”

The most significant accomplishment of the renovation was converting the entire upper floor into a dedicated Chapel of the Relics.
This chapel now includes:

• A new altar for the celebration of Holy Mass for small pilgrim groups

• Permanent display of the relics of the Uganda Martyrs

  • St. Charles Lwanga

  • St. Matia Mulumba

  • Blessed Daudi Okello

  • Blessed Jildo Irwa

• A serene prayer space designed for quiet reflection and personal veneration

The Chapel of the Relics is now open to the public daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, offering pilgrims uninterrupted access to the sacred remains.

2. Structural and Exterior Improvements

The renovation addressed long-standing structural and aesthetic needs of the 1970s chapel.

New Roof Installation

The entire roofing structure was replaced to enhance durability, protect the relic chamber, and provide better ventilation and weather resistance.

Brick Facing and Stone Cladding

Both interior and exterior walls were upgraded with durable stone and high-quality slate cladding, giving the chapel a dignified, timeless, and resilient finish.

Modern Aluminum Doors and Windows

All windows and doors were replaced with strong aluminum fittings, improving security, natural lighting, and ventilation while complementing the updated architectural style.

New Canopies

A canopy was added beside the tomb area to provide shelter for pilgrims during prayer, especially in rainy or sunny weather. This extension harmonizes with the chapel’s design and improves overall comfort.

3. Enhancing Accessibility and Pilgrim Movement

New Walkways Installed

Beautiful, durable walkways now surround the chapel, creating:

• Better circulation space

• Safer access even during wet conditions

• A cleaner, organized, and more welcoming approach

Landscaping Upgrades

The pathways, gardens, and lighting systems around the chapel have been reorganized and refreshed.
New lighting in the gardens now illuminates the path leading to the Chapel of the Relics and to St. Andrew’s Tomb, enhancing safety and beauty during evening hours.

4. Spiritual and Artistic Enhancements

Stained-Glass Artwork of the Holy Spirit

A large stained-glass installation featuring the Holy Spirit was added as the spiritual focal point of the renovated chapel.
This artwork enriches natural lighting and symbolizes divine presence, creating an uplifting and prayerful atmosphere for all who enter.

Impact of the Completed Renovation

The renovation project has fully achieved its objectives:

• The chapel is now more accessible, secure, and structurally sound.

• The environment is more beautiful, modern, and conducive to prayer.

• The historical and spiritual identity of the site has been preserved and strengthened.

• The relics of the Uganda Martyrs now have a permanent, dignified home for veneration.

• Small pilgrimages, private devotions, and Masses are now better supported, thanks to improved seating (capacity of about 15 people) and refined interior ambiance.

The site has quickly become a more serene and welcoming place for thousands of visitors who seek the intercession of St. Andrew Kaggwa and the Uganda Martyrs.

Additional Pastoral Use

The renovated chapel is not only a place of veneration but also a center for formation.

Sunday School (Oratorio)

Every Sunday, children aged 4 to 7 years gather in the Relics Chapel for Oratorio sessions:

• 7:00 am — Luganda

• 9:00 am — English

• 11:00 am — English

Children join their families during the offertory at Holy Mass.

The completed renovation of the St. Andrew Kaggwa Relics Chapel stands as a renewed sign of faith, history, and devotion in Munyonyo.
What began as a simple grave in 1886 has now become a beautifully restored sanctuary, dignified and ready to receive pilgrims for generations to come.

The Uganda Martyrs—St. Andrew Kaggwa, St. Charles Lwanga, St. Matia Mulumba, Blessed Daudi Okello, and Blessed Jildo Irwa—now rest here in honor, inviting all to prayer, reflection, and deeper faith.

Uganda Martyrs—pray for us!