Saint Charles Lwanga

Saint Charles Lwanga (c.1860-1886) was the leader of the young pages at the court of Mwanga II, kabaka of Buganda, and the head of the community of Christians there. Baptized in 1885, he protected the boys in his charge from the king’s abuse and prepared them for baptism.

When the king demanded they renounce the faith, Lwanga and his companions refused. He was burned alive at Namugongo on 3 June 1886, encouraging his companions to the end. Canonized with the Martyrs of Uganda by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964, he is the patron of African youth, of converts, and of Catholic Action.