Charles Lwanga and Companions

Biography

Charles Lwanga (1860-1886) was a young Ugandan court official who became a martyr for Christ. Serving as a page and later majordomo in the court of Kabaka (King) Mwanga II, Charles catechized fellow servants and young pages, teaching them Christian faith and morality. When the Kabaka demanded sexual immorality from young men in his service, Charles and others resisted, choosing fidelity to Christ over royal favor. The Kabaka, furious at this perceived disloyalty and Christian moral influence, condemned Charles and twelve other young men to execution by fire in May 1886. Charles encouraged his companions to remain steadfast, becoming their spiritual leader in martyrdom. He was burned alive along with others, demonstrating extraordinary courage. These 22 Ugandan martyrs (later beatified and canonized) included both Catholics and Anglicans. Charles Lwanga represents youthful sanctity, apostolic courage, and the resilience of faith even among the young facing tyranny.