Kiriwawanvu was a Muganda of the sheep (Ovis-Ndiga) Clan. Descending from Mpanga of Mbaale Mawokota County, in the family of Ndalu. Mukasa was borth Nakasawula (Kyaggwe County), Naggalama Parish in Lugazi Diocese. His father was Lumanyika, a very good wrestler.

He wrestled King Muteesa I down in a friendly contest. In recongnition of his power, the King gave him a Musoga girl called Mulookuvaayo and this was Lumanyika’s first wife thus the mother of Mukasa Kiriwawanvu.

They moved from Kiryankolo in Ssingo County to Nakasawula also in Ssingo where Mukasa was born. At the age of about twelve years, Mukasa was taken to his uncle Mugulandiga, by then the deputy county chief of Ssingo. He was deputy to Kawuulukusi Muwemba also of the same clan.

It was Muwemba who took him to the palace of King Muteesa I to serve as a page at the age of 16. While at the palace, Mukasa was attracted to the good behaviour of the Catholics particularly of his two masters, Joseph Mukasa and Charles Lwanga.

One day, while splitting firewood, Gyaviira called him Magulumpaali (long-legged). Mukasa beat up Gyaviira and was taken to Kimbale prison near the palace without trial. When the Christian persecution broke out, the two met and forge each other and were burnt together at Namugongo on Thursday June 3^rd 1886.

Mukasa is the only martyr who received the baptism of blood. He is the patron if hotels, bars and restaurants.