Our Parish History
A community rooted in faith and the witness of the Uganda Martyrs.
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St. Matia Mulumba Parish, Old Kampala
St. Matia Mulumba Catholic Parish sits on the storied grounds of Old Kampala Hill, one of Kampala's seven hills and a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. The parish is named in honour of St. Matia Mulumba, a Ugandan judge and ardent Catholic convert who was martyred in 1886 and canonised by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964 as one of the Twenty-Two Uganda Martyrs.
The parish traces its roots to the early days of Catholic evangelisation in Uganda, when the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa) first established a presence in Buganda in 1879. The faith took root rapidly despite initial resistance and, ultimately, violent persecution. The martyrdom of young Catholics under Kabaka Mwanga II in 1885β1887 became the seed from which the Church in Uganda grew into one of the most vibrant Catholic communities on the African continent.
Old Kampala Parish has since grown from a small mission into a thriving and dynamic community of thousands of faithful Catholics. Today it serves as a key parish within the Archdiocese of Kampala, offering regular sacraments, faith formation, youth ministry, charitable outreach, and a rich liturgical life that draws both locals and visitors from across Uganda and the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nourish the faithful through the sacraments, and serve the wider community in a spirit of charity and justice β following the courageous example of our patron, St. Matia Mulumba.
Our Vision
To be a welcoming, Spirit-filled Catholic community where every person is known, loved, and equipped to live out their faith with joy and purpose in the heart of Kampala.
Core Values
- π Faith in God:
- π Holiness
- β€οΈ Charity & Service
- π¨βπ©βπ§ Community & Family
- βοΈ Fidelity to the Church
- π Justice & Peace
Key Milestones
White Fathers arrive in Buganda, beginning Catholic mission work.
St. Matia Mulumba and companions martyred under Kabaka Mwanga II.
The Uganda Martyrs are canonised by Pope Paul VI.
Pope Paul VI visits Uganda β the first Papal visit to Africa β and celebrates Mass in Kampala.
Pope John Paul II visits Uganda and canonises Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi.
St. Matia Mulumba Parish continues to grow as a vibrant faith community serving thousands of Catholics in Old Kampala.