Earlier this year, I promised myself I would break the ugly routine I have been following for a long time. Untangle myself from a life of sacrificing my time and efforts only to be treated insignificantly without even the courtesy of appreciation. Traveling has long been a desire I learned following experiences of working out of Kampala. Out of monthly commute to upcountry was born the love of discovering new places and experiencing different environments.
So in the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, travel came up in the sort of way one rekindles a lost love. I don’t know most parts of my own country lest towns in the city I live. In an inspired motivation driven by misguided and poorly thought of achieving something worthwhile this year, I made the decision to at least travel every district once a month up to the point when I could say I have been all over Uganda. How short-lived was this madness when reality set it.
I was now left with questions only, what can use a stepping stone to drive me towards having a new year’s resolution ticked off. It was at this point that I stumbled upon the muzungu’s travel tips. Alas! 25 little known destinations seemed like a plan. The easiest part at least some of these destinations and within easy reach both physically and financially. After much deliberation, I settled for destination number 16; following in the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs. At this point, armed with the muzungu’s Google map, I planned an “excursion” following in her footsteps. Beginning from Bethel Healing Center Church formerly Pride Theater, I begun the trek.
Starting point : Pride Theater
The downside of taking what is supposed to be a guided walk tour and doing it by yourself is you never understand the significance or relevance of certain locations. Case in point is this place.
Old Kampala Secondary School
At this point I don’t know if the Martyrs actually took this route or if it was just an assembly point for those keen at taking the guided walk tour.
Yiga Chambers
On the way to St. Matia Mulumba Church which was built in honor of one of the martyrs.
St. Matia Mulumba Catholic Church.
Now the journey begins. A quick history search aided of course by the internet (my tour guide), I learn that Mathias Mulumba was one of the four martyrs from Mityana.At the time of martyrdom, Matthias Mulumba had escorted his Chief Luke Banabakintu (the Mukwenda) to Mengo to rebuild the palace in Mengo which had been destroyed by fire.
Who said my self guided tour had to be boring ?
Apparently it seems social media business is not doing well. Is Mr. Zuckerberg tapping into the Uganda’s “humorously titled” restaurants/bar market ?
Hotel Barbados
Keeping up with Charlotte’s well thought of “bread crumbs“. For sure I won’t be lost. I think.
Hotel Sojavalo
If only I could actually “eat” these bread crumbs.
Kabaka Anjagala Round About
I can only imagine what was going through the martyrs minds as they faced the king’s palace standing majestically a distance away from this point. Would he be merciful ? Would he forgive them ?
Some side scenery as we go to meet the “King”
For my Baganda friends that don’t know their clan or what it looks like, you can thank me later.
Lubiri Mengo
Unreal thoughts fill my mind of the moment and emotions that filled this place when it was time to face their judgement from the then King of Buganda .
It actually cost me UGX 5000 to take this selfie. The amount was negotiated down after the security officers manning the gate told me any pictures taken inside cost UGX 10,000. Now we all know they wanted ka soda. But of course no Ugandan security guard says that out rightly. Just like their bosses, bureaucracy rules the day. And who says am not a good citizen, I paid my dues and thanked them for their work. I mean who doesn’t deserve some soda with the heat these days ?
Uganda Red Cross Headquarters
I had to make some of my bread crumbs after missing out on some. For some reason, I never saw Eagles Nest Secondary School along the route. Even after Google Maps told me it was just on top of my nose.
Lubaga Road Junction
The irony of passing this route as the religion they were about to sacrifice their lives for stood majestically up the hill in form of towering ecclesiastical structure. f only there was power in such majesty to save their lives. But then, where would we find such African inspiration in the “white man’s” religion ?
Miracle Center Church, Rubaga
St. Lawrence University Uganda
More bread crumbs I live for you.
Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel
More than half way the journey and I have not yet stopped to take a rest. I am proud of myself, though my feet are not.
Nalukolongolo Railway Workshops
Checkpoint : Nalukolongolo
The irony in this dedication.
I guess politicians (sic: leaders ) will always be politicians
At least a church was built. In spite of the sad turnout of events leading to the history of the Namugongo Martyrs, the outcomes outlived the “short lived” gloom of their death.
Nalukolongolo Market
Nateete Market
My first run-in with the kifesi. My pictorial account almost ended here, if it wasn’t for my quick reaction.
Nateete Police Station (CCTV Command Center)
Rioters: There goes their police station in flames
Government: Hold my beer.
Final Destination: Uganda Martyrs’ Church, Busega
The journey and trek comes to an end. It was a kick in the butt opportunity for me to learn the somewhat experience the history of my own country. Again thanks to Charlotte for making something to get me out of my comfort zones.
Now feed on the beauty of this location with a grim history.
snapshot of a muser 
Hi, this was one hell of a walk, i have walked before quite a long distance but thanks for making the effort to document the whole journey, it must have been an experience.
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