Our mission team had the opportunity to visit Mengo Palace in Kampala, Uganda, where we learned about the rich history of the Buganda Kingdom, its past kings, and its current king, known as the Kabaka.
I was especially excited to finally understand the difference between Buganda (the kingdom), Baganda (the people), and Luganda (their language)! Sounds simple, but trust me, it can get confusing!
The Dark History of Mengo Palace
What began as a fascinating history lesson quickly became a very emotional experience as we entered the underground chambers associated with Idi Amin’s brutal dictatorship from 1971–1979.
Originally built as an armoury by the Israelis in 1970, these chambers later became a place of unimaginable suffering, where thousands of Ugandans were imprisoned, tortured, and killed.
Prisoners endured horrific beatings, starvation, suffocation in overcrowded, windowless cells, and electrocution. We learned how the underground chambers contained electrified metal doors and water-filled corridors designed to electrocute anyone attempting to escape.
Many of those who died were never returned to their families, leaving loved ones without answers or the opportunity to properly bury them.
A Sobering Reminder of Our Need for Jesus
Walking through the dark tunnel and hearing the stories of the horrific abuse that took place there was absolutely heartbreaking.
The farther we walked, the heavier my heart became, and I found myself silently praying for the innocent lives lost and the families who never saw their loved ones again.
What struck me most was realizing this wasn’t ancient history. This horrific chapter in Uganda’s history only ended 47 years ago!
It was a sobering reminder of the darkness humanity is capable of, the preciousness of freedom, and how desperately our world needs the love, hope, and peace of Jesus Christ.
— Crystal Roddenberry
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