Short answer: The Uganda Martyrs Museum at Namugongo tells the story of the 1886 martyrs through replicas, statues and a stone laid by Pope Francis. It stands on Church of Uganda grounds, opened in 2015 and is reported to be open on weekdays for a small fee. Confirm hours and entry costs before you visit.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. We have not found official hours or fees, so confirm them with your guide or the Church of Uganda.
The Uganda Martyrs Museum helps visitors picture what happened in 1886. Where the basilica gives you the setting and the shrine gives you the place, the museum gives you the story, room by room. This guide explains what you will see and how to prepare.
About the Uganda Martyrs Museum
The museum sits on the Church of Uganda grounds at Namugongo, to the right of the main gate. Construction began in 2014 and it opened in 2015. It was conceived under Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, and Pope Francis inaugurated it during his November 2015 visit to Uganda.
It is a short walk from the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine area, so most pilgrims visit both on the same day.
What you will see inside
The exhibits are laid out to follow the story of the martyrs. Reported highlights include:
- Reed walls and a cloud ceiling that set the mood of the main hall.
- A stone laid by Pope Francis, shaped like the African continent.
- A replica prison room showing where the condemned were held.
- Statues of executioners and victims at the scene of the executions.
- The command post and a fireplace or pyre as part of the display.
- The fenced tree Ndazabazadde outside, linked to the torture of the martyrs.
The well and the grounds
Outside there is a well where, according to the story told at the site, the executioners washed. Many visitors collect water from it as blessed water. If you plan to drink any, boil it first, as the Church of Uganda advises for spring water.
Allow time to walk the grounds slowly. The site is part memorial, part place of prayer.
Visiting tips
- Go on a weekday. The museum is reported to be open Monday to Friday.
- Ask about the fee. A small entry fee is reported, but we have not confirmed the amount.
- Avoid school-trip season if you want quiet. School groups are heavy from May to August.
- Avoid 3 June week. Namugongo is crowded around Martyrs Day. Read our guide to Uganda Martyrs Day before planning around it.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low in the exhibits.
Combine the museum with a pilgrimage
Pair the museum with the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine and follow the route in our Uganda Martyrs trail guide. The Namugongo martyrdom pilgrimage day tour and the Uganda Martyrs trail full-day tour both cover Namugongo. Our page on religious tourism in Uganda lists every itinerary.
Uganda Martyrs Museum FAQs
Where is the Uganda Martyrs Museum?
It is at Namugongo, on the Church of Uganda grounds to the right of the main gate, a short walk from the martyrs’ shrines about 15 km from Kampala.
When did the Uganda Martyrs Museum open?
Construction began in 2014 and the museum opened in 2015. Pope Francis inaugurated it during his visit to Uganda in November 2015.
What is inside the Uganda Martyrs Museum?
Visitors see reed walls, a replica prison room, statues of executioners and victims, a stone laid by Pope Francis shaped like Africa, and displays on the trial and execution of the martyrs.
How much does the Uganda Martyrs Museum cost?
A small entry fee is reported, but we have not confirmed the amount. Ask your guide or the Church of Uganda before you go.
Can I visit the Uganda Martyrs Museum on a tour?
Yes. It fits into a Namugongo day tour or a longer martyrs pilgrimage. Request a free quote.
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About the author: Victoria Kayaga
Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
