Two pilgrims die trekking to Namugongo Martyrs shrines

By Ben Musanje

30^th May 2022

One of the 100 foot pilgrims from West Ankole diocese who are leading this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ day celebrations on the side of the Church of Uganda died this morning shortly after reaching the shrine.

The Pilgrims team leader, Rev Sam Katagye, has identified the deceased as Jackline Alinaitwe, 49, a resident of Katerera in Rubirizi District who was walking to Namugongo for the second time.

He says the deceased dropped dead a few meters from the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo.

According to Rev Katagye, Alinaitwe’s death is shocking because unlike other pilgrims, she exhibited enough strength and commitment along the journey and had not complained of any illnesses or weakness.

He said her death is a great blow to the faithful from West Ankole but quickly added that she has died in faith.

Luke Owoyesigyire the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan also confirmed the death of this pilgrim adding with call to the pilgrims trekking to Namugongo to rehydrate and take enough rest before they resume journeys.

Meanwhile, the Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga has identified the names of the catholic pilgrim who was knocked by a speeding motor vehicle in Ntugamo district while trekking to Namugongo over the weekend for Martyrs day celebrations and later died in a hospital.

Enanga says that the deceased is identified as Jovinta Tukalirwa, 53, a resident of Kashanda in Ntungamo district was knocked on along Mbarara – Masaka highway by one Paddy Muhanguzi who was driving Toyota Harrier Registration number UBH168F and is currently detained by police in the district.