ST. BRUNO SSERUNKUUMA

He was born at Masaka around 1856. His father was Kizza Kibuuka Majalya Namujulirwa. His brother Mbugano is the one who took him to the palace as a page. Here he met Mukasa Balikuddembe who taught him the catholic faith. He was baptized on 16 November 1885 by Pere Giraurt.  Before he embraced the Catholic faith, Sserunkuuma was violent, hot-tempered, cruel, imprudent, drunkard and led a loose life. He, however, strove bravely to master his temper and control his passions. The King gave him two girls for wives in appreciation for his good services. He took them home. But his fellow Catholics pointed out to him that the new religion they had embraced did not allow more than one wife. He repented and did spend much time in prayer, penance and did works of charity. On his way to Namugongo, his brother Bbosa gave him beer. But remembering the thirst of Jesus Christ on the cross, he refused it. He constantly and bravely encouraged others not to give up. He died a martyr on June 3, 1886. Sserunkuuma is the Patron of those tempted to excessive drinking, lust and those not properly married in the Church.