Matiya Mulumba

Matiya Mulumba, also known as Matthias Murumba Kalemba (1836 – May 30, 1886), was a Ugandan Catholic, one of the Martyrs of Uganda, killed on or around May 30, 1886 in his 50s. He, among the other martyrs, underwent the most excruciating pain. He was skinned alive and left to die.

In 1920, Pope Benedict XV beatified Mulumba and on 18 October 1964, he was canonized by Pope Paul VI.

Early life and christian journey
Matiya was born in Bunya county in Busoga. He was adopted by Fr. Magatto. And After Magatto's death, Mulumba stayed with Magatto's brother called Buzibwa. He first converted to Islam but later became a catholic catechumen on the 31st May 1880. And he was baptised by Pere Ludovic Girault in Mityana at his home.

While building Kabaka Mwanga palace that had gotten burnt on 22 February 1886, Mulumba together with Charles Lwanga, Lukka Baanabakintu and Mukwenda were arrested, imprisoned and condemned to death by Mukasa, the Chancellor (Katikiro). Mulumba was taken to old Kampala from where he was burnt alive. And Lwanga was taken to Namugongo.