Over 500 foot pilgrims from the dioceses of Fort Portal and Kasese have been flagged off to Namugongo ahead of the June 3rd Martyrs’ Day celebration.
During the flagging off ceremony at Bukwali Parish, Rev. Fr. Macarius Kabyogamu urged the pilgrims in his homily to trust in God on their journey, remain prayerful, and respect their leaders.
Ajuna Acleo, the Vice Guild President of the Uganda Martyrs Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, advised pilgrims to understand the purpose of their pilgrimage.
Following the recent security unrest in the region, Alex Tusiime, the Community Liaison Officer at Kitumba Police Post, informed the pilgrims about the importance of walking during the day to help them recognize each other, as some people tend to join the group with different intentions.
Christians Urged to Pray for the end of Domestic Violence
Hon.Linda Irene Mugisa, the woman MP for Fort Portal City, asked pilgrims to pray for small Christian communities and families, noting the increase in domestic violence cases.
” In your pilgrimage through the intercession of the Uganda Martyr’s, pray for our families that have been lately affected by domestic violence ” She Noted.
Pilgrims parade their pilgrimage prayer intentions
Margaret Komuhimbo, who hails from Kitumbi Parish, mentioned that she is making the pilgrimage to pray for her children to become God-fearing and to find employment.
Rose Kebright, also from Kitumbi Parish, stated that her aim is to pray for peace in her family and its expansion.
Bridget Atuhura from Town Parish said her goals are to pray for spiritual healing and financial breakthroughs, among other intentions, hoping to find answers through the intercession of Uganda Martyr’s
Patrick Kaboyo expressed his desire to hear different testimonies from Namugongo.
Monday Paul Sabiiti, the catechist at Kogote Catholic Church, hopes that God will help him become a trained catechist and aid his congregation in completing the construction of their new church.
The pilgrims, who earlier commenced their trek from Bukwali Parish, hail from different areas including Kasese Catholic Diocese, Congo Zaire, Bundibugyo and other parts of Rwenzori region, and are expected to spend a week on their way walking during day.
Earlier last week in a security meeting, RPC James Ruwheza assured them of improved security, following the recent security unrest that included suspected ADF attacks among others.
This year 2024, The Uganda Martyr’s day at Namugongo Catholic shrine is set to be animated by Nebbi Catholic Diocese under the estimated budget of 1.3 billion Shillings .
Reportedly, by yesterday May 22, the Nebbi foot pilgrims who started their trek last week had reached Buganda.
