Spiritual conversion in Africa

A wave which seemed to be simple but made a fundamental change in the political, social and economic way of life in Africa.

Muhammadism, Catholicism and Protestantism was a new way to go leaving the traditional values in ruins. Bible teachings, Quran, practices like baptism which brought new converts in the new world conquered the usual norms of worshiping traditional spirits and gods.

The teachings of forgiveness, prayer, fasting and thanksgiving shaped Africa into a new world and what made them look similar was emphasizing a Godly punishment for those who couldn’t abide with the rules! Life after death was also so much emphasized “heaven & jannah” and everyone was promised lots of gifts like happiness and the everlasting life; this would shape believer to follow the right path of obedience and loyal to the Almighty.

Concentrating on Uganda

Chiefs and kings felt devastated and disrespected by the new religion. This increased confusion in the different areas where to some extent people became rebels of their own culture. Kings like Mwanga as a head of tradition in Buganda fell a victim where most of his subjects resorted to serving the church instead of him as a king.

Respect no other God before me, am a jealous one commandment was emphasized so much by the new converts. Clashes came in and continued to be rampant especially when religions categorized African traditions as satanic and backward.

Our father who hart in heaven and apostle’s creed became daily prayers. To an extent some felt provocative to the tradition where the position of the kings and the chiefs wasn’t determined.

Kings considered as God in Uganda.

In Buganda kingdom, kings were known to be God and whatever their decision wouldn’t be revised .  the king was a final man and his orders were final. Today kings are custodians of culture. As a role whenever you disobeyed the king, always the penalty was death. Charles Lwanga fell a victim where most of them had to serve the punishment of disobedience.

Namugongo Martyrs shrine

Namugongo is not only a prayer of worship, but it encompasses the religious trail in Uganda where a number of converts met their creator. Mukajanga the chief executioner aided in this on behalf of the king. Many were beheaded, arms, tongues, legs cut off forcing them to denounce their faith but all in vain.

Martyrs are not only considered as heroes in Christianity but also the ambassadors of Christ where up to date are still praised and worshipped because of their brilliancy and courage. They laid a firm foundation of religions in Africa through emphasizing scriptures and also putting them into a daily practice by acting as an example to their fellows.

It should be not forgotten that in the traditional context, they are still seen as rebels of African culture and religion. By ill preaching, condemning many African traditional practices regarding them satanic and backward positions them to be betrayers.

When you continue following all the context of religions in Africa, you get a picture of how kings were respected and honored as shadows of God. Kings saw religions as a wave which had come to divide their people and rubbishing the foundation of African heritage.

In summation, a spiritual fundamental change shaped Africa to a new society leaving marks by adopting new names and culture. This wave leaves Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and other churches in Uganda as historical evidence. If you’re a religious traveler, these places are a MUST visit while in Uganda. Kindly book with Ganda cultural Expeditions for a joyful experience.