What African Polygamous Men Can Learn from Ugandan Martyr Matthias Mulumba

As a new convert to Christianity, the 18th-century Ugandan saint was compelled “to let himself be guided by the dictates of his faith”, the Bishop said.

Credit: ACI Africa

Likening the saint’s dilemma at that time to what happens in politics when a political party has several candidates for the same position, he said, “When people of the same party are contesting for the same position, they do primary elections.”

“Matthias Mulumba had to do primary elections with his wives and at the end he remained with one,” the member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) who was transferred from Nebbi Diocese to Gulu on March 22 said.

Credit: ACI Africa

More in Africa

Small Christian Communities in Nairobi, Kenya, Urged to Help Members in Non-Catholic Marriages to Celebrate Matrimony

Read the article

He added, “I invite all our Christians, all our well-wishers who find themselves in the same situation, like Matthias Mulumba, to begin doing their primary elections so that by the end of the year, by the year of the Jubilee, 2025, we may have Church weddings in plenty.”

The Archbishop-elect explained the need for Christians to solemnize their marriages in Church and embrace the Holy Eucharist.

Credit: ACI Africa

“We know that a wedding is a way to strengthen the identity and value of the family by placing God at the center of our lives,” he said, and implored, “May St. Mulumba help all our families so that the dignity of families may remain according to the mind of God.”

“Let us all strive and pray that this becomes a reality, day by day, especially for families struggling to achieve unity and communion with one another, reflecting the Holy Family of Nazareth,” he said.

Credit: ACI Africa

The Uganda Martyrs’ Day dates back to the first decade of Christian presence in the East African nation when 45 men aged between 14 to 50 years were killed by the King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887 because of their Christian faith.

St. Matthias Mulumba was one of the 22 Catholic Men who died for their faith during the persecution.

The 22 Catholics who were beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964 continue to promote Catholic life in the country and also play an important role in constructing a Catholic identity globally.

(Story continues below)

Namugongo shrine is a large property covering the site where St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, who included pages at the royal court, were burned alive by the order of Kabaka (King) Mwanga.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.