There was a persecution of Christians out of hatred for religion in Uganda, under King Mwanga. St. Charles was martyred with twelve companions on June 3, 1886; others were killed later. Some of the victims, almost a hundred in all, were very young or newly baptized.

      Charles was one of twenty-two Ugandan martyrs who converted from paganism. Though he was baptized the night before being put to death, he became a moral leader. He was the chief of the royal pages and was considered the strongest athlete of the court. He was also known as "the most handsome man of the Kingdom of the Uganda." He instructed his friends in the Catholic Faith and he personally baptized boy pages. He inspired and encouraged his companions to remain chaste and faithful. He protected his companions, ages 13-30, from the immoral acts and homosexual demands of the Babandan ruler, Mwanga.

      Mwanga was a superstitious pagan king who originally was tolerant of Catholicism. However, his chief assistant, Katikiro, slowly convinced him that Christians were a threat to his rule. The premise was if these Christians would not bow to him, nor make sacrifices to their pagan god, nor pillage, massacre, nor make war, what would happen if his whole kingdom converted to Catholicism?

      Charles was burned to death by Mwanga's order on June 3, 1886. Pope Paul VI canonized Lwanga and his companions on June 22, 1964.