As violent scenes continue to unfold ahead of the 2026 general elections, the National Youth Office of the Uganda Episcopal Conference is leveraging this year’s youth pilgrimage to Kibeho to promote a spirit of peace-making among young people.
Every September, this office organizes an annual week-long pilgrimage for youth to Kibeho in Rwanda.
The pilgrimage program includes prayer, reflections, and talks addressing themes such as self-respect, societal challenges, and dialogue.
During this year’s pilgrimage, Rev. Fr. Robert Wadri Aluma from Katigondo National Major Seminary will lead a reflection on the topic “Youth as Agents of Peaceful Co-existence in a Violent Globe.”
Speaking to Joyce Zako, the National Youth Coordinator of the Uganda Episcopal Conference at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya, the organizers of the pilgrimage highlighted that politicians often manipulate young people during election campaigns.
She emphasized the importance of equipping youth with the skills to become proactive agents of peace in society.
In addition, the young pilgrims will visit the Ruhango pilgrimage site, known as the Place of Divine Mercy, where no killings occurred during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
This visit offers a unique opportunity for the youth to deepen their understanding of the power of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.
By Florence Nangendo
2nd Sept 2025
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