Church expects 40,000 pilgrims at Namugongo Anglican site on 3rd June

By Ben Musanje

27^th April 2023

The Church of Uganda Martyrs Shrine will host at least 40,000 pilgrims during the Martyrs Day celebrations on 3^rd June this year, the Eastern Cluster dioceses have said.

The Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel George Bogere Egesa who is the Cluster Chairperson while addressing the journalists at the Anglican Martyrs Site Namugongo noted that organizing team is planning to accommodate that number of pilgrims at the ongoing construction site though it won’t be completed by then.

The Easter Cluster that comprises 10 dioceses which include Bukedi, Mbale, Sebi, Soroti, Busoga and Karamoja among others was selected last year by the House of Bishops to organize this year’s Martyrs day celebrations.

He says that the day will be commemorated under the theme; United for sustainable service and growth and President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the Guest of Honor.

He adds that the Guest Preacher will be the Most Rev Dr Foley Beach, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America yet the Archbishop of Church of Uganda Most Rev Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu will be the Main Celebrant.

Bishop Egesa further noted that they still need about Sh60 Million for completing the construction work of the extension terrace going up to the existing museum structure to provide enough space for pilgrims who flock to the place.

However, the First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga who is the Organizing Committee Chairperson for the Easter Cluster says they will hold pre activities starting 30^th April intended to market the historical sites of all the dioceses.

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