The North Kigezi diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Onesimus has today flagged off 118 pilgrims from North Kigezi Diocese in Rukungiri district to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine ahead of Uganda martyrs’ celebrations slated for 3rd June 2023.
The number of Pilgrims from North Kigezi in 2023 has doubled compared to last year’s only 56 who walked to Namugongo which shows a great achievement.
Bishop Asimwe has asked them to goals as they trek the 400 km journey to Namugongo so that God can answer their prayers.
He also asked them to use this year’s pilgrimage to pray for the stability of the diocese, cooperation, and togetherness in the families on top of observing discipline along the journey, especially at the resting centers.
According to the North Kigezi Diocesan Missions Coordinator Rev Edison Ampaire the pilgrims anticipate spending 14 days along the way to Namugongo and they will spend their first night in Rwashamaire Town Council in Ntungamo district.
Rev Ampeire told the press that trekking to Namugongo shrine reminds Christians of the suffering that the Uganda Martyrs went through to sacrifice for their religions.
On the issues of Katonga bridge which fell to pieces last week, Rev Ampeire said that they are in touch with the traffic officers in that area who will guide them on how to trek along that river.
Jackson Ahimbisibwe, the team leader of North Kigezi pilgrims who is trekking for the fourth time to Namugongo said he is optimistic that this pilgrimage will bring them closer to God and renew their faith.
The oldest pilgrim from North Kigezi has 69 years whereases the youngest has 17 years.
Some of the pilgrims that our reporter talked to said they could not miss blessings from God through praying at Namugongo although they have different reasons for trekking.
