Over 10,000 Pilgrims arrive at Namugongo

By Ben Musanje

30^th May 2022

At least 10, 000 pilgrims from abroad and within Uganda are expected to arrive at both the Catholic and Anglican Martyrs shrines ahead of the Martyrs Day Celebrations, police have disclosed.

Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson says that a number of pilgrims from the dioceses of Mbarara, Kasese, Kabale, Masaka, Kiyinda -Mityana, Kasana- Luwero, Lira, Aria, Nebbi, Gulu and Tororo have already arrived at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso district.

Pilgrims started arriving at Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine last week for the annual celebrations that were affected by Covid-19 pandemic for two years.

Enanga says among the pilgrims to arrive at Namugongo by the end of today are the animators of this year’s celebrations at the Catholic Church from Fort Portal diocese who are over 2,500 Christians expected to be welcomed at Busega roundabout by some religious leaders.

The police have also noted the arrival of 9 people from the USA and others from the neighboring countries who entered Uganda through areas of Kitagata, Elegu, Malaba, Vura, Kyanka and Entebbe International Airport.

Enanga says that they expect the number of participants for the Martyrs day celebration to range between 500,000 to One million people.

Fr. Joseph Mukasa Muwonge, the Promoter of Devotion for Uganda Martyrs told Radio Sapientia that by Monday Morning, over 2300 pilgrims had arrived at Namugongo Catholic Shrine from USA, Kampala, Mbarara, Gulu and Kasana Luwero.