Kigungu Missonery Spot

Kigungu Catholic site in Entebbe, Uganda, is considered the birthplace of Catholicism in Uganda. This is the historical landing spot of the first Catholic missionaries (Fr. Loudel and Brother Amans) in Uganda on February 17th, 1879, making the cradle of Catholicism on the land. This is the major Pilgrimage site where faithful gather annually to commemorate the faith’s arrival and its deep roots in Uganda’s culture, right on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Slightly 140 years ago, a small landing site in Entebbe, Wakiso district received two French Missionaries whose mission was to change the way people in the hinterland worshipped. Since the arrival of Fr. Loudel and Brother Amans many Catholics from around the world make pilgrimage to this Holly place to commemorate the arrival of Christianity in Uganda.

Situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, near Entebbe International Airport, it offers a serene environment and a connection to Uganda’s heritage and it embodies spiritual renewal and is a testament to the sacrifices of the early missionaries.

Rev Fr Siméon Lourdel (Mapeera) and Broth Amans arrived at Kigungu by boat across Lake Victoria, establishing the foundation of the Catholic Church in Uganda. The current church structure and the monument stands as testaments to this event, with the church evolving from early structures to a modern look.

When the two French missionaries got to the shores, they had no idea what awaited them or how their mission would impact the county who at the time believed so much in traditional worshiping. Kigungu is protected as a Centre for research on the Catholic religion in Uganda.

The literature at Kigungu reveals, Mapeera and Amans left Marseilles (their native place) with the first caravan of white Fathers on April 22, 1878, and landed in Zanzibar on June 17th. The Caravan then ventured on land into the interior of Africa. Of the 10 missionaries, two braved the wilderness, northwards, crossed Lake Victoria and arrived in Uganda.

Kigungu Church has trough the times changed, from the mud-and wattle structure built by Bishop Edward Michaud (The prelate lived there in 1933 to 1945) to a baked brick and tiled building. The place first started as a pilgrimage site in 1960s, with the then parish priest Rev Fr Joseph Kyeyune and some well-wishers playing lead roles.

Legends have it that the area got its name from a lakeshore tree called Kigungu. The huge tree was being used by fishermen to dry their fish as they waited for clients. When no one or fewer clients showed up, the excess fish was often left to rot in the open. Sometimes, the fishermen abandoned their catch at the site out of frustration because they were no people to eat the fish.