The Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo was consecrated in 1975 — after these coins were struck — built on the execution site where Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the killing of 22 Catholic and Anglican converts between 1885 and 1887. The coins preceded the basilica's completion by several years, issued in anticipation of the growing pilgrimage site's significance.
Uganda's early commemorative program was closely tied to the canonization of the 22 Catholic martyrs by Pope Paul VI in October 1964, the first sub-Saharan African saints of the modern Catholic Church.
The Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo was consecrated in 1975 — after these coins were struck — built on the execution site where Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the killing of 22 Catholic and Anglican converts between 1885 and 1887. The coins preceded the basilica's completion by several years, issued in anticipation of the growing pilgrimage site's significance.
Uganda's early commemorative program was closely tied to the canonization of the 22 Catholic martyrs by Pope Paul VI in October 1964, the first sub-Saharan African saints of the modern Catholic Church.