Clare Nayebare
Christians from Fort-Portal diocese are set to begin their pilgrimage by trekking to Namugongo on the 23rd May 2022. This has been confirmed by Rev. Fr. Titus Winyi the chairperson Pilgrims Committee for the martyrs Preparations.
According to him, a total of about 600 Christians have so far registered and shown interest in this remarkable pilgrimage, and preparations for the journey including the Novena prayers have commenced already.
Adolf Kamara, the Chairperson Uganda Martyrs Guild Fort Portal Diocese, has revealed the preparedness of selected leaders to organize this journey.
Adolf Kamara the Chairperson Uganda Martyrs guild Fort Portal diocese.
Kamara, has also appealed to Christians of the diocese to show up in large numbers for the activity, as one way of physically supporting their diocese as it leads the massive celebrations, but also as a way of prayer and fasting.
Beatrice Kabanyoro, a nursing officer at Kagote Health Center III, has trekked for at least 6 years to Namugongo and is willing to trek again and witness her diocese lead. Using her testimony, Kabanyoro, encourages Christians willing to trek, to start praying over what they want and be assured of positive outcomes.
Being a health worker, Kabanyoro advises people with weak health not to test God by engaging in such a big sacrifice that needs a lot of energy and courage. Among the exempted people, she says HIV/patients, diabetic people, people on medication among others.
Wounch Anthony Rubuya, the coordinator for pilgrimages, who doubles as a member of the security and protocol committee of the Namugongo pilgrimage preparation committee, encourages people to join the pilgrimage saying it comes with a lot of blessings.
He however says they normally travel during nights for fear of hot weather conditions during the day. He further says that the security of the pilgrims is always ensured by the government.
According to the Constitution of the Uganda Martyrs Guild, only a person of 15 -49 years is recommended for this activity but quite often 65-70 aged Christians have successfully made the Namugongo Pilgrimage.
Meanwhile it takes pilgrims of Fort Portal a period of 9 days to reach Namugongo.
Who usually make this trek to Namugongo?
According to Wounch, a group of pilgrims come from Zaire to Kasese, and then proceed to Virika before setting off to Namugongo. Another group of neighboring districts within Fort Portal diocese like Bundibugyo also come and join the other pilgrims at Virika.
The other pilgrims expected along the way include those in the areas of Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa. Those from Kitagwenda and Kamwenge join the others at Kibuye (at the border of Fort Portal and Kiyinda Mityana dioceses) from where they proceed to their 9 respective stations.
The Namugongo Pilgrimage resting Stations from Fort Portal include
- Virika
- Kayihura
- Rwibale
- Kibuye
- Mubende NTC
- Kiganda Parish
- Kiyinda Mityana cathedral parish
- Nswanjere Seminary
- Busega Parish
From Busega, the pilgrims proceed to Namugongo at least three days before the grand celebrations and normally, there is always reserved space for their accommodation.
As regards their welfare in terms of meals, drinks, medication among others, the pilgrims often cater for themselves with the exemption of a few medical and relief items donated by well wishers to support their pilgrimage cause.
The greatest challenge faced by the pilgrims on this over 300Km trek is the swelling of legs and cardiovascular diseases thus a team of physicians is always carefully selected to cater for emergencies of that kind.
Spiritually, the pilgrims are assured of daily Mass before setting off daily since usually some priests also make this pilgrimage.
Why trek to Namugongo?
Despite the challenges faced along the way, the number of pilgrims has gradually increased thus indicating the spiritual benefits of this journey of faith.
Records have it that only 80-90 Christians were able to trek in the past years. Currently according to the Chairperson Pilgrims committee, about 600 have registered and more are still registering for this pilgrimage.
Experience of Christians after walking long distances to Namugongo.
Beatrice Kabanyoro who attained a certificate from trekking to Namugongo, says that most of her wishes have come true and encourages people to pray for themselves, the nation and the entire nation by joining this pilgrimage.
She says a certificate is however not the motivating factor for this endeavor, though it is important for the future generation especially the young generation to strengthen their faith following her example as evidenced from the recognition.
Beatrice Kabanyoro testifying about the Namugongo Pilgrimage.
Wounch says that he has gained a lot from his over 9 year pilgrimage trek to Namugongo from where he was graced by an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Israel and Egypt in 2018. He says that in his 2019 pilgrimage to Fatima in Portugal and Spain, Christians are able to recognize Uganda as the land of the Martyrs.
According to recorded statistics, a total of 2,500,000 Christians made the pilgrimage to Namugongo in 2019, 4,500,000 in 2018, 4,000,000 in 2017 and 3,500,000 in 2016.
During the first press briefing, Bishop Robert Muhiirwa the ordinary of Fort Portal diocese said they are optimistic of an open celebration with unlimited number of Christians, since the economy is fully open.
Fort Portal diocese, is set to lead the Uganda Martyrs celebration after two years of the day being scientifically celebrated due to national lock-down as a result of Covid-19
