Jinja Pilgrims finally arrive at Namugongo Catholic Shrine

By Gideon Peter Ssebulime

31^st May 2023

More than 5,000 pilgrims from Jinja Diocese have arrived at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine amidst pomp and jubilation.

Jinja Diocese was in 2022 selected by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to animate this year’s Martyr’s Day Celebrations at the Catholic Martyrs shrine.

The pilgrims led by the Bishop Jinja Diocese, Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, were accompanied by a band as they entered Namugongo.

Along the 80 Kilometers walk, the pilgrims were joined by smaller groups, forming a united assembly of faithful on their journey.

The absence of the scorching sun or heavy rainfall favored the pilgrims, as the cloudy atmosphere, accompanied by occasional light raindrops, provided them with a sense of momentum.

At the shrines, Bishop Wamika performed a blessing on the wooden cross, known as the Martyrs Cross, which the pilgrims had carried all the way from Jinja.

He then handed over the cross to the Shrine Rector, Rev. Fr. Vincent Lubega.

After this solemn ceremony, the pilgrims from Jinja were led to the Minor Basilica, which was constructed on the very spot where St. Charles Lwanga was brutally executed.

Later, the Bishop led the pilgrims in a brief public prayer and bestowed his blessings upon them.

Annually, faithful from across the world gather at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on June 3^rd to commemorate the 45 Catholic and Anglican Martyrs who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then King of Buganda.