Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa
Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa was a Ugandan Catholic martyr and saint, remembered as the first of the Martyrs of Uganda. He served as a page to two Kabakas of Buganda before being tortured and killed for his Christian faith. His baptism and martyrdom are central to his veneration.
- Feast Day
- May 25
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Uganda
Key Facts
- ›Denis Ssebuggwawo was born in 1870 at Kigoloba in Bulemeezi County, Uganda.
- ›He was a page to Kabaka Muteesa I and later in personal attendance of Kabaka Mwanga II.
- ›He was baptized on November 16, 1885, by Père Simon Lourdel, taking the Christian name Denis.
- ›Ssebuggwawo was tortured and speared by King Mwanga II for teaching his faith.
- ›He was beheaded and then hacked into pieces at Munyonyo on may 25, 1886.
- ›He is recognized as the first of the Martyrs of Uganda.
Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa
About Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa
Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa (1870–25 May 1886) is a Ugandan Catholic martyr and saint. He is recognized as the first of the Martyrs of Uganda, a group of converts who were executed in the late 19th century.
Life and Martyrdom
Born at Kigoloba in Bulemeezi County, Denis Ssebuggwawo's parents were Kajansi and Nsonga. His family moved to Bunono in Busiro County after his grandfather's death. He belonged to the Musu Clan. Ssebuggwawo and his twin brother Kato were instructed in the Christian faith as catechumens by Saint Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe. He was baptized on November 16, 1885, by Père Simon Lourdel, taking the Christian name Denis.
Ssebuggwawo served as a page to Kabaka Muteesa I and was later in personal attendance of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. His faith led to his persecution by King Mwanga II. He was tortured and speared for teaching his faith to Mwafu, the chancellor's son. He was then handed over to the executioner Mpinga Kaloke, who, along with two men, Matembe and Mulyowa, dismembered his body. Ssebuggwawo was beheaded before being hacked into pieces at Munyonyo on the evening of May 25, 1886. He is remembered for his martyrdom at a young age.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa?
Denis Ssebuggwawo Wasswa was a young Ugandan Catholic who was martyred in 1886. He is remembered as the first of the Martyrs of Uganda.
When and where was Denis Ssebuggwawo born?
He was born in 1870 at Kigoloba in Bulemeezi County, Uganda. His father was Kajansi and his mother was Nsonga.
What was Denis Ssebuggwawo's role at the royal court?
Ssebuggwawo served as a page to Kabaka Muteesa I of Buganda and was also in personal attendance of Kabaka Mwanga II.
How did Denis Ssebuggwawo die?
He was tortured and speared by King Mwanga II for teaching his faith. He was then handed over for execution and was beheaded before his body was hacked into pieces at Munyonyo on May 25, 1886.
When was Denis Ssebuggwawo baptized?
He was baptized on November 16, 1885, by Père Simon Lourdel, also known as Fr. Mapera. He took the Christian name Denis at his baptism.
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