ADOLPHUS MUKASA LUDIGO: The St. Francis of Uganda

By Laudato Voices

Uganda Martyr, Patron of Farmers and Herdsmen, Model of Ecological Stewardship

In the inspiring life to the Uganda Martyrs who gave their lives for their faith on 3rd June, 1886, St. Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo stands out not only as a martyr of the Church but as a figure of ecological and spiritual harmony. Referred to by Laudato Youth as “the St. Francis of Uganda,” Ludigo lived a life of faith, courage and humility, he cared for the land, and embraced deep Christian charity — qualities that resonate powerfully with today’s ecological needs and the Laudato Youth Initiative’s work and other young people committed to climate justice and stewardship of God’s creation.

Humble Origins, Noble Spirit

St. Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo was born around 1862 in Misazi, Myeri, in present-day Kyenjojo District, under Butiti Parish. He was the son of Bamwesekesa and Kyote, a mother who endured the trauma of abduction alongside her son. Like many others during this time, Ludigo was kidnapped and taken to Buganda, where he grew up and eventually became part of the royal household. There, he was given the name Mukasa and later nicknamed Ludigo due to his resemblance to a prominent clan elder from Busoga.

Though a foreigner in Buganda, Ludigo rose to a position of responsibility — overseeing the King’s gardens, a role that immersed him in the life of the land and placed him in direct contact with farmers, herdsmen, and young workers. His care for this role was more than administrative; it was a reflection of his soul — rooted in labor, charity, simplicity, and responsibility for the earth and others that is integral in the African world view.

Faith and Martyrdom

Ludigo encountered Catholicism in 1881, drawn by its teachings and the witness of missionaries like Père Mapeera (Fr. Simeon Lourdel). He committed himself to the faith, though he was only baptized later, on November 16, 1885 — a decision he made with full maturity of heart and mind. His baptismal name, Adolphus, symbolized his complete dedication to Christ.

Those who knew him described him as exceptionally calm, intelligent, and thoughtful. He never shunned any task, no matter how lowly. He cooked for others, served with kindness, and treated everyone being with dignity — qualities that mirror St. Francis of Assisi, who found God in both creation and humble service.

When Kabaka Mwanga II began persecuting Christians, Ludigo did not shrink back. Instead, he presented himself at the palace in his best attire, not in pride but as a witness to the dignity of his faith. After condemnation, he walked with regal composure to his death, until his fine clothes were taken from him at the Ssezibwa tree as custom required. On June 3, 1886, at just 24 years old, he was burned to death at Namugongo, offering his life as a sacrifice for Christ.

Patron of the Farmers, Herdsmen, and Ecological Hope in Uganda

St. Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo is widely venerated as the patron of farmers and herdsmen — a natural fit considering his life close to the land and those who work it. His practical knowledge of agriculture and deep sense of community care make him a timeless model for sustainable living and Christian environmental ethics. Today Laudato youth look to him for inspiration.

In an age of environmental crisis in Uganda, Ludigo’s life offers a spiritual and practical model for today’s youth, particularly those involved in ecological and justice-focused initiatives like the Laudato Youth Initiative draw inspiration from his life — inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls all people to care for our common home.

Relevance to the Laudato Youth Initiative

As Uganda celebrates 3rd June Martyrs day Laudato Youth Initiative invites young people to connect faith, action, and the environment. St. Adolphus Ludigo is a natural patron for this attitude, faith and actions, for several reasons:

He lived in harmony with the land. As manager of royal gardens, he understood agriculture not as mere labor but as a vocation — a way of stewarding God’s creation.
He valued the dignity of workers. His service to others, including cooking for fellow Christians and treating all with equality, speaks to Laudato Si’s call for integral human development.
He embraced simplicity. Though a man of dignity, Ludigo did not cling to possessions or power. His humility is a model for living simply so others may simply live.
He bore witness through action. In a world where words often outweigh deeds, Ludigo’s courageous, loving life is a call to active discipleship — to serve, to protect creation, and to stand for truth, even unto death.

In the vibrant chorus of the Uganda Martyrs, St. Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo sings a quiet but profound melody — one of peace, courage, and communion with the earth. He is a bridge between martyrdom and mission, between faith and ecology, between past and future. To farmers and herdsmen, he remains a source of inspiration and strength. To the Church in Uganda, he is a symbol of humble, earthy sanctity. To the global Church he is the St. Francis of Assisi – Uganda must celebrate his legacy with vivid hope for God blessed our land with fertile soils for agriculture and so we must work hard to visualise this icon of hope and faith for antion of God like Uganda. For God and My Country. Laudato Youth Initiative – united for Climate Action.

To young people striving to live out Laudato Si’, he is a Saint for Our Time — a Ugandan martyr with a Franciscan soul. One of our Laudato Si Clubs at St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish Kanyabachope stands out as an icon of hope from the Land of St. Adolf in Mwenge where he was born. St. Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo, patron of the land and life, pray for us. Guide young hearts to live simply, love deeply, and care boldly for our common home.

PRAYER TO ADOLPHUS MUKASA LUDIGO

The St. Francis of Uganda

Uganda Martyr – Patron of Farmers and Herdsmen

Feast Day: June 3rd

Born in Misazi, Kyenjojo (Butiti Parish), St. Adolphus was a humble servant in the royal gardens of Buganda. Known for his calm spirit, deep generosity, and love for the earth, he lived his faith boldly, served others joyfully, and gave his life for Christ at Namugongo on June 3, 1886. Today he is honored as a friend of the land, a model of ecological stewardship, and a saint for the young.