The rich and dramatic history of Budimo Church—closely linked to the life and martyrdom of Bishop James Hannington—was commemorated this October, marking 140 years since his death in October 1885.
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, led a historic service at the Samia Olukoba fortress in Budimo, a key site along the journey of Hannington’s remains.
Bishop Hannington was killed for his Christian witness at Kyando in Bunya, Busoga, approximately 100 kilometers from Budimo. His body was initially secretly buried, later exhumed by his Samia assistants Ochola of Lunya and Osore of Odiado, with the help of Otsyalo of Mumias, for transport to Mombasa en route to England.
Cultural customs in Budimo forbade entry of “alien dead” into homesteads, so Hannington’s remains were temporarily placed in the branches of a towering Mutaabi Tree at the Olukoba fortress gate, safeguarding them from wild animals before continuing their journey—first to Mumias, then ultimately to Namirembe Cathedral.
The 140-year commemoration drew religious and civic leaders from across Uganda, including Archbishop Kaziimba, The Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa of Bukedi Diocese, and Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo. Chief Guest Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, also attended.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Kaziimba visited Buwerero, where Bishop Hannington held his final meeting with Chief Lunyoro.
During the Budimo ceremony, Kaziimba laid the foundation stone for a modern sanctuary, the Bishop Hannington Budimo Parish Headquarters, and the Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu Pavilion.
“This place deserves a church and infrastructure that reflect its importance. Budimo should stand alongside sites like Namugongo as a major religious tourism destination. I will bring all bishops here to support this advocacy,” Kaziimba said.
Archbishop Obbo praised the ecumenical unity and reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to developing Budimo. Speakers also honored Canon Justice James Ogoola, former Principal Judge of Uganda and Chancellor of Bukedi Diocese, for his personal investment in preserving Budimo and Buwerero.
Kadaga lauded Ogoola’s dedication and called on the Church and partners to intensify advocacy for government support, noting that initiatives are underway to decongest Busia and Malaba border posts and boost regional trade.
The commemoration underscored the need to protect and promote sites tied to Bishop Hannington’s final journey—Budimo, Buwerero, and Kyando—which symbolize resilience, sacrifice, and the intercultural bonds shaping Uganda’s Christian heritage. Leaders emphasized that, with sustained commitment, these sites could become leading religious tourism destinations in East Africa.