Thousands of pilgrims have been flagged off for the long Journey to Namugongo, from Fort Portal. The activity commenced with holy Mass , led by the Rt Rev Bishop Robert Muhiirwa, the ordinary of Fort Portal diocese at Virika Cathedral.
During Mass.
While delivering homily to thousands of congregants, Bishop Muhiirwa appealed to pilgrims to be courageous, have hope and faith to overcome all the obstacles to be met, including all sorts of insults from people, physical and spiritual pain.
The Ordinary, prayed that the holy spirit blesses the pilgrims with energy, love, faith and hope.
Flag off Mass at Virika Cathedral by Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki.
start of long walk
After a blessing to start the Journey, the UPDF led the masses with triumphant band. They were followed by Bishop Muhiirwa in company of the clergy and religious who led and accompanied pilgrims in the walk of faith.
Due to the martyrs mood raised yesterday, Journey was initially joined by all believers thronged Fort Portal streets as away to bid farewell to their fellow brethren through praying and encouraging them.
Among these, was Linda Irene Mugisa and Alex Ruhunda, MP’s of Fort Portal City.
The pilgrims spent a night at Kyenjojo Villa Maria Kayihura church, about 40 Km from Fort Portal City, where they are expected to take a rest up to the next stop over.
Security.
According to Wounch Anthony Rubuya, chairperson of security and protocol, the committee has tried hard to establish the best security for the pilgrims.
Wounch says, that they are in touch with police for the pilgrims safety with their property, given the fact that they travel in the night.
Police
The Rwenzori Regional Police Commander Norman Musinga, said that all districts where Pilgrims will pass, have been alerted in advance.
“In case the pilgrims cross over to another district, that district takes over the role of providing security to them until the next day.” Stated Musinga.
Health Security
Health wise, the steering committee established a health committee led by Fr.Jude Kasaija.
According to him they secured enough first Aid drugs to help in treating pilgrims of any emergencies likely to occur.
Adolf Kamara, the president Uganda Martyrs guild Fort Portal diocese, confirmed that a number of nurses were to go along with the pilgrims to aid in offering first aid.
He however warned pilgrims with exceptional challenges to carry along their respective drugs.
Earlier on, a pilgrim from Kyamatanga parish Fort Portal diocese had presented to us the challenge of swelling legs as a result of walking.
Our reporter however established that the presence of the ambulance before setting off.
Earlier before setting off.
Enough flags from different Parishes could be seen hung at the entrance of McCauley hall Virika, where some of the pilgrims had a night.
Some of the flags included for Bugombwa Pilgrims the first group to arrive at Virika, Kanyamukare, Nyahuka, Kitumbi, Kasese, Hima, Katwe, Rwimi, Kyamatanga, Katwe, Kamwenge Mpara and Katoosa Parishes among others.
A number of pilgrims with their light luggage gathered at the cathedral awaiting for the time of flag off. the oldest, was identified as Rose Zahura 80 hailing from Kitumbi Parish.
Zahura, has also walked to Namugongo for the last 13 years and was readily available for the 14th time as Fort Portal leads Namugongo 2022.
Harriet Katusiime 20 was recorded among the youngest. She however revealed to us, that it was her 3rd time, her first time being 2018 when she was16.
Pilgrims set a different picture of attendees
FootPilgrims country wide, have meanwhile set a different picture from the earlier anticipation of less than 2million pilgrims over all to attend physically at Namugongo.
According to reports from the Namugongo Catholic Shrine Platforms. The number of arriving Pilgrims doubling daily could mean the increased number of people to attend physically.
Fort Portal leads Namugongo 2022
Just less than 9 days remaining, Fort Portal will yet again lead the 3rd June after 25 years of not leading this international event.
Preparations are on their climax and the best is expected of the diocese after 2 years of the event being celebrated virtually due to Covid-19.
