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Andrew Kaggwa

Andrew Kaggwa was a Ugandan Catholic martyr who was executed by King Mwanga II for his faith. He served as the king's bandmaster-general, the Mugowa, and was baptized into Christianity in 1882. Kaggwa is remembered as one of the Martyrs of Uganda and is the patron of catechists, teachers, and families.

Feast Day
May 26
Country Or Region
Uganda

Key Facts

  • Andrew Kaggwa was born in 1856 and died on may 26, 1886.
  • He was baptized on April 30, 1882, by Père Simon Lourdel M.Afr. at Nabulagala.
  • Kaggwa held the position of the king's bandmaster-general, known as the Mugowa.
  • He was arrested at his home and ordered to have his arm cut off before being beheaded and dismembered.
  • His execution took place at Munyonyo.
  • He is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Uganda.
Also Known As

Mugowa

Birth Year
1856
Death Year
1886
Manner of Death
Beheading and hacking to pieces
Venerated In
Role Type

About Andrew Kaggwa

Andrew Kaggwa (1856 – 26 May 1886) was a Ugandan Catholic martyr, recognized for his steadfast faith which led to his execution under King Mwanga II. He held a significant position within the royal court as the king's bandmaster-General, known by the title Mugowa.

Life and Martyrdom

Born in 1856, Kaggwa was baptized on April 30, 1882, by Père Simon Lourdel M.Afr., a missionary also known as Fr. Mapera, at Nabulagala. His faith led to his persecution during a period when King Mwanga II put numerous Christians to death between 1885 and 1887. On the day of his death, Kaggwa was apprehended at his residence and brought before the Chancellor. The execution order dictated that his arm be severed first, which was then taken to Mukasa. Following this brutal act, Kaggwa was beheaded and his body was dismembered at Munyonyo. He met his end on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 26, 1886.

Legacy

Andrew Kaggwa is remembered today as one of the Martyrs of Uganda, a group venerated for their sacrifice. His feast day is observed as part of their collective commemoration. He is also invoked as the patron saint of catechists, teachers, and families, reflecting his roles and the values he embodied.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Andrew Kaggwa?

Andrew Kaggwa was a Ugandan Catholic martyr who lived from 1856 to 1886. He served as the bandmaster-general to King Mwanga II.

When was Andrew Kaggwa baptized?

Andrew Kaggwa was baptized on April 30, 1882, by Père Simon Lourdel M.Afr. at Nabulagala.

How did Andrew Kaggwa die?

Andrew Kaggwa was arrested and executed by order of the Chancellor. His arm was cut off, and he was then beheaded and hacked to pieces at Munyonyo on May 26, 1886.

What is Andrew Kaggwa remembered for?

He is remembered as one of the Martyrs of Uganda, executed for his Christian faith. He is also the patron saint of catechists, teachers, and families.