Kenyan Police Raid Church Compound Uncover Secret Burials, Rescue 57

Uganda's rich history of Christian martyrdom is being commemorated through various sacred sites and annual pilgrimages that highlight the faith and courage of early converts persecuted under King Mwanga II. The Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine marks the beginning of this legacy, where the first death decree was issued, and where key figures like Charles Lwanga baptized young converts before their persecution. Pilgrims from across East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania, converge annually at Namugongo to honor the 45 martyrs executed in the late 19th century, with the event now serving as a major religious tourism occasion fostering ecumenical unity amid regional challenges. The St. Balikuddembe Site in Kampala also preserves the memory of early martyrs such as Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe and Athanasius Bazzeketta, whose stories continue to inspire devotion and public remembrance. These commemorations underscore the enduring spiritual significance of the martyrs’ sacrifice and their role in shaping Uganda's religious identity. Meanwhile, in Kenya, a recent police raid uncovered secret burials and alleged cult-like practices at a church in Migori County, reviving concerns about religious abuses similar to past tragedies and prompting calls for closure of the site.