Magdalena Kikwangire, affectionately known as “Mangada,” was a devout Christian who embodied the principles of faith, hope, and charity in her daily life.
Her unwavering dedication to God was evident throughout her 33 years on earth.
The late Bishop Emeritus John Baptist Kakubi, Bishop of Mbarara, described her as a true Christian who relinquished earthly possessions out of love for God.
Magdalena tragically lost her life in 1956 for refusing to surrender her body to a gang of men intent on raping her.
She met her demise when she was eventually killed and crucified on a tree at Kalivario in Rukokoma Kagongo.
Early Life
Magdalena Kikwangire was born in Nyinaebare cell in Bisheshe Division, within the present Ibanda municipality district, in 1922.
Her parents, Agostino Kasharura and Kandida Kabajungu (both deceased), also had another daughter named Maria Bagaine.
She was baptized on November 18, 1922, with Angelo Karomba serving as her spiritual leader. Her grandfather, known only as Dezide, had migrated from Bunyoro to Ibanda alongside his five brothers.
They settled in Ibanda after developing an interest in trading salt during their occasional journeys from Mahyoro (Lake George).
Education Background
Magdalena’s educational journey began at Ekigango Kyabaronde, located at Ibanda Parish. She commenced primary education at the age of 15 before proceeding to Nyamitanga in Mbarara at 16, in 1939.
Prior to her move to Mbarara, under the leadership of Fr Mischler as the parish priest, Magdalena actively participated in the Legion of Mother Mary, eventually becoming its leader.
Accompanied by her peers, she traveled on foot to Mbarara to complete her primary education.
Subsequently, she attended schools in Virika Tooro, including a Primary Teachers College and Nyamitanga Vernacular College.
Life as a TeacherMagdalena embarked on her teaching career at St Theresa Primary in Kagongo in 1948, later transferring to Kayazi in Kitagwenda.
Returning to St Theresa in 1950, she taught classes ranging from P.1 to P.2.
Daily Life
A devout communicant, Magdalena had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the rosary daily and actively participating in the Confraternity dedicated to Mary.
Known for her wise counsel, she offered guidance to all who sought her advice.
During her leisure time and holidays, she dedicated her resources and time to church activities.
Practicing the virtue of chastity to the highest degree, Magdalena chose to remain unmarried and lived a life of chastity as a lay consecrated person.
Her steadfast commitment to her faith was strengthened by her daily participation in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass.
She was particularly dedicated to teaching children and young girls about Christian life and lay apostolate, both in school and beyond.
At the heart of the tragedy surrounding Magdalena’s death stands Antonio Barugahare, a neighbor residing near Magdalena’s home in Kagongo.
Born in 1919 to Paulo Byemandwa and Sabina Nyakahimbi, Antonio harbored an infatuation with Magdalena for quite some time.
Despite repeated attempts, his desires were thwarted as Magdalena had committed herself to a life of chastity.
Prior to the grim events that unfolded, Antonio, a casual laborer, had faced legal trouble for the murder of his wife, Theresa.
After serving a year in prison, he returned to his community, resuming his pursuit of Magdalena.
Reportedly, Antonio frequently solicited money from Magdalena for his drinking habits, receiving negative responses each time.
These rejections fueled Antonio’s growing resentment and envy, ultimately leading him to devise a sinister plan to end Magdalena’s life.
Magdalena confided in her relatives about the threats from Antonio, but unfortunately, they did not take them seriously.
The tragic eventOn the night of January 14, 1956, Antonio, along with five accomplices, orchestrated a heinous attack to extinguish the life of Magdalena.
The assailants, including Antonio Barugahare, Mariko Mapesa, Augustine Maseneko, Tihwayo, and Karaambuzi Polikapo, stormed Magdalena’s house around 9:00p.m.
Her mother and a young boy staying with them were brutally murdered with machetes, while Magdalena narrowly escaped, finding refuge in the home of a neighbor, Evelin Irumba.
After setting the house ablaze, the gang sought out Magdalena, eventually locating her at Irumba’s residence.
She was violently assaulted and subsequently taken to a nearby hill, where the perpetrators subjected her to unspeakable acts of violence before her untimely demise.
Despite their demands, Magdalena refused to surrender her body to them, leading to her tragic fate.
Following the atrocious acts, the assailants performed traditional rituals on Magdalena before crucifying her on a tree atop a hill known as Kaluvariyo, purportedly to mimic the crucifixion of Jesus, a comparison Magdalena often made in her faith.
The aftermath
News of Magdalena’s death spread, prompting a community-wide search.
The bodies of Magdalena’s mother and the young boy were recovered and buried in Kakiika, Mbarara.
After five days of searching, Magdalena’s body was discovered in the bush on the hill.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Magdalena’s body remained untouched by insects or decay, a phenomenon that astonished the gathered community.
Law enforcement from Mbarara was notified, leading to the arrest of five suspects who were subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to Luzira prison, where they met their fate by hanging.
Magdalena’s body was laid to rest at Nyamitanga, with a mass conducted by Bishop Emeritus Jean-Marie-Gaëtan Ogez of Mbarara.
Her burial site remains a poignant reminder of her martyrdom and a significant pilgrimage destination within the Catholic faith.
Memorial Site
In 1975, a memorial site was erected at the location of Magdalena’s ordeal, featuring a stone-made cross, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Turambule, the then Ibanda parish priest.
This site serves as both a tourism attraction and a profound historical testament to Magdalena’s unwavering faith and sacrifice.Mangada’s Memorial site at Kaluvariyo
Comments from Fr Mutume
She stands as an inspiring example for Christians and all who believe in God.
Her life, marked by innocent devotion and wholehearted love for God, resonates deeply with the faithful. We pray that the Church continues the process of formally recognizing her as a saint within the Catholic Church. On this special day, (Uganda Martyrs) we come together in prayer and strengthen our faith in Christ with all our hearts.
