Uganda Martyr James Buuzabalyawo

James Buuzabalyawo was one of Andrew Kaggwa’s converts. As a bandsman he came under the command of Andrew Kaggwa who taught him to play the big drum and also instructed him in the Catholic faith.

Uganda Martyr James buuzabalyawo

He became Kaggwa’s chief assistant, not only as a bandsman but also as a teacher of the catechism. Kaggwa, who had considerable influence over the young Prince Mwanga often, sent Buuzabulyawo to the king to put the latter through his prayers and catechism. He was not baptized until the night after Joseph Mukasa’s death on 15 November 1885.

He was a son of the royal bark-cloth maker, Sebikejje,  who belonged to the Colubus-Monkey (Ngeye) Clan. Buuzabalyawo was the third of eight children and was born at Tabazimu in Mawokota County between 1856 and 1861. His eldest sister, Tagusenda, had been given by their father to Kabaka Muteesa who had one child by her, the Princess Namukaabya. Buuzabalyawo was brought up in the household of his royal niece and from there, he eventually entered the Kabaka’s service, first as a page and later as a bandsman and guard.

On the day of his execution James Buuzabalyawo was not executed at once, but taken to join the other Christians awaiting execution. 
After reaching Namugongo and shortly before Christians were put onto the pyre, Mukaajanga gave each of them a small gourdful of plantain-wine (Mwenge), it being the custom of the Baganda to give plantain wine to everyone who is about to be put to death.

James Buuzabalyawo, (probably in memory of his Master’s refusal on Calvary) refused to drink. 
In the following few minutes, Buuzaabalyawo and fellow Christians were tied alive in reeds and put onto the pyre, which was lit from the bottom and Christians burnt to ashes.

See more on Uganda Martyrs Wikipedia

 

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