BISHOP HANNINGTON SHRINE

This shrine is situated within Kyando village, about 20 kilometers off Mayuge district, 30 kilometers off Jinja and straddles within 220 acre land. It is here that Bishop James Hannington and 48 of his African helpers were murdered on 29^th October 1885. Each year, Christians from Busoga diocese pay pilgrimage to this site on 29^th October. This memorial site is said to be the spot of the first and largest Christian martyrdom in Uganda and today it is remarkably another most significant tourist site within Busoga sub-region. It is here where the first missionaries paid a visit to Uganda from Britain but unfortunately, he was killed in cold blood. His death was prompted by longtime suspicion and prophesies that Kabaka Mwanga’s rule could be overthrown by people coming from the east. At a time when Bishop Hannington and his helpers entered Busoga under Chief Lube-one of Kabaka’s collaborators, a message reached Mwanga who due to panic quickly ordered for the elimination of the invading strangers. The Kabaka had fear that Christianity was growing fast among his subjects and to him, was a huge threat to his rule. To get to this site, there are signposts to direct you.

Today, there is a stone to mark and remember the point that Bishop was killed. It is protected with an iron sheet hut shaped shelter that is situated downhill at the end of the road which leads to the rocky Kyando hill where the bishop did most of his activities prior his murder. While at this shrine, you will have a chance to learn more about Bishop Hannington and his men. There are marked spots and rocks which are believed to have been of great value to bishop. The center piece that is an enclosed stone is found downhill and marks a spot or shrine where this bishop was tortured and killed. There are also other spots which mark various activities that the bishop did and rocks on Kyando hill there is a cave that is said to be bishop’s bedroom. Across from the bedroom, there is a painted rock that said to have been a spot where Bishop used to preach from. There is also a pulpit and this was a library that is believed that the bishop read from.

It is estimated to generate about shs.500 million each year from religious tourism. The project was initiated by local government together with church and liaised with speaker Rebecca Kadaga

Its existence is no longer the issue for Mayuge but a national issue. The site is believed to impact positively on the tourism sector of this region. Most visitors come to spend a night here and the next day, they wish to explore incredible tourist sites and the islands have been the order of the day. Interestingly, government has also been trying to mainstream religious tourism by identifying all sites which have something unique for visitors to explore.

Where to stay while on safari at Bishop Hannington shrine

There has been a big challenge especially when it comes to where visitors can spend a night but this has been solved by 2 billion facility known as Century Hannington Resort Cottages.

In conclusion, if your dream has always been to explore what nature holds in Busoga region then a visit to Kyando hill should be a must for you. This area comes with breathtaking views over the Busoga’s green belt and they serve as a proof that your exploration despite the hurdles wasn’t in vain. This site isn’t best for leisure but also for you to find spiritual healing.