Ugandan rapper Earnest Nsimbi Zamba, known as GNL Zamba, recently shared what he termed an unpopular perspective regarding Kabaka Mwanga and the Uganda Martyrs. It is important to note that the Uganda Martyrs are commemorated annually on June 3rd, and yesterday marked that occasion.
Pilgrims from around the globe gather in Uganda, with many traveling hundreds or even thousands of kilometers to pay tribute to these Martyrs from various faiths. There are several shrines dedicated to these religious figures, with the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine being the most well-known.
These young men were famously burned alive for their beliefs and faith by the Buganda Kabaka, Mwanga II, in 1886. Since that time, Mwanga has been viewed as a villain, but in recent years, this narrative has begun to shift, with many challenging the long-held belief that the Martyrs were heroes.
Zamba is among those challenging this idea—he asserted that Kabaka Mwanga was innocent and merely misrepresented. He urged those observing this day to critically examine the official narrative.
The Kikankane artist argued that the Kabaka was not opposing God; rather, he was defending his territory against a foreign ideology that sought to disrupt authority and power within the kingdom. He also suggested that the main agenda of these missionaries was not solely to spread Christianity but also to seize control of the kingdom’s political affairs, which the Kabaka opposed.
The Baboon Forest CEO questioned why it was primarily the local converts who were executed, while the foreign figures behind the religion were not held accountable. According to the rapper, these missionaries employed a divide-and-rule strategy, which continues to impact the region adversely today. He urged his followers to use their intellect to reflect on this issue. Additionally, he expressed hope that one day a statue would be erected to honor Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega, who fiercely resisted imperialism.
While many of his supporters resonated with his viewpoint, some deeply religious individuals disagreed, feeling that the Kabaka was malevolent and deserving of his current vilification. However, it’s worth remembering that countless religious Martyrs throughout history have often challenged their rulers both culturally and politically.
In Mwanga’s perspective, he was safeguarding his kingdom from what seemed to be an unavoidable takeover, similar to what had occurred in other regions nearby and beyond.
