Senior Reporter
Over 200 pilgrims from the Kabale Diocese have set off on their journey to Namugongo Shrine in preparation for the June 3 Uganda Martyrs Celebration. These pilgrims, originating from the districts of Rukiga, Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kabale, convened at the Kabale diocesan headquarters on Monday evening and attended a Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.
Alphonse Biraho, a catechist at Christ the King Catholic Church Parish in Kabale Municipality and the Chairperson of Pilgrims in Kabale Diocese, stated that the pilgrims were flagged off at 5:00 AM this morning. He mentioned that their journey to Namugongo is expected to last ten days. Biraho also noted that five Christians from the Anglican Church of Uganda have joined them for the pilgrimage. He emphasized that trekking to Namugongo strengthens Christians’ faith and hope in honor of the Uganda Martyrs, a group of 45 Anglican and Roman Catholic individuals executed during the persecution of Christians under Mwanga, the kabaka (ruler) of Buganda, from 1885 to 1887.
Paul Tumuhiise, a catechist at Katenga Hiika under Rushoroza Parish, on his fifth pilgrimage, said he will pray for world peace and for Christians to renounce evil and return to God. Zadok Agyendakyi (77) from Buhara Catholic Parish, on his seventh pilgrimage, said he will pray for peace in his family and for good health. Bibiana Ayebare (34) from Rubanda Catholic Parish, on her 13th pilgrimage, expressed her gratitude to God for the gift of life and a job, intending to pray for the country, herself, and her family.
