Clare
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities has announced that starting June 3rd, the activities at both the Catholic and Anglican Shrines in Namugongo will be officially under its sight.
Why Namugongo
Every year on June 3rd, Ugandans throng Namugongo to commemorate the 45 Catholic and Anglican converts to Christianity who were executed under the orders of King Mwanga between 1885 and 1887.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) Annual Pilgrimage to Namugongo yesterday, Hon. Tom Butime Ateenyi, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, revealed that the ministry has formally designated the Catholic, Anglican, and Muslim shrines, ensuring that all Martyrs’ Day celebrations will be managed under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Tourism.
“The Ministry of Tourism has officially taken over the 3rd June Namugongo Celebrations. They will not be under the office of president or prime minister, but the tourism ministry will be directly responsible.If anything henceforth doesn’t go well, we shall be to blame. I pray that we serve to the best”. Said Butime
Hon. Butime reminded pilgrims that their visits to the shrines are not only for prayer but also serve as a form of domestic tourism for Ugandans, whereas pilgrims coming from outside the country, on the other hand, participate as international tourists.
Butime further congratulated the Universal Church on the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, urging believers to reflect on and emulate their virtues.
Four MEPA Bishops grace the occassion
Yesterday’s MEPA Mass was led by the Diocese of Fort Portal, with the theme “Our Faith in Christ Gives Us Victory in the World.”, attended by four MEPA bishops: Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa of Fort Portal, Bishop Callisto Rubaramira of Kabale, Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima, and Bishop Aquirinus Kibira Kambale of Kasese, along with Msgr. Ndugwa Severinus, Vicar General of Mbarara Archdiocese.
Bishop Muhiirwa, the main celebrant commended Christians, organizers and the Rector Namugongo Shrine Fr Vincent Lubega for their efforts in making the day a success.
According to Fr. Fred Tusingire, National Director of the Lay Apostolate and Chaplain for the Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja-Fort Portal Association (KEJI-FODA), it was announced that Kasese Diocese will manage the 2025 MEPA pilgrimage at Namugongo
