KABALE DIOCESAN FOOT PILGRIM START A 10 DAY TREK TO NAMUGONGO.

A total of 230 foot pilgrims from the four Deaneries of Kabale Diocese have started a ten-day journey to Namugongo Shrine to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. The pilgrims, from Mutolere, Rubanda, Rushoroza and Bukinda Deaneries started their journey on the morning of Wednesday, May 21, 2024 at 3:40am from Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral escorted by a Uganda Police vehicle.

The pilgrims who began their journey on Sunday, May 18 from Bunagana border in Kisoro, proceeding to Cyanika border had a stop over Mutolere Parish Church. They then proceeded to Kabirizi Parish Church in Rubanda district and then to Rushoroza Cathedral on May 20 (Tuesday evening), from where the set off this morning for a journey to Namugongo, where they are expected to arrive on May 31, 2025.

Rev. Fr. Bruno Byomuhangi, Director of Lay Apostolate Commission for Kabale Diocese, while preaching during Mass with pilgrims yesterday evening in Rushoroza Cathedral, highlighted the valuable lessons from the Uganda Martyrs, including their unwavering faith, courage, and bravery. He encouraged the pilgrims to learn from these lessons and live out their faith with conviction, courage, and perseverance.

Mr. Alphonse Biraho, a catechist in Christ the King Parish Kabale and Chairperson of the Kabale Diocesan foot pilgrims, noted that the team from Kisoro began their walk on May 18 and later merged with the rest at Rushoroza Cathedral on May 20, bringing the total to 230 pilgrims. He confirmed that the pilgrims expect to arrive at Namugongo on May 31, 2025. “This journey unites our people in faith and purpose. We walk to commemorate the brave martyrs and to renew our own spiritual lives,” Biraho said.

Mr. Biraho urged the pilgrims to observe traffic rules, discipline, and teamwork. He also encouraged them to be hopeful in their prayers to attain their set goals.

Dr. William Mbabazi, who is undertaking the pilgrimage for the fifth time, described the journey as both a spiritual and physical test. “It’s not just about walking. It’s a journey of faith. It helps us grow stronger spiritually while also challenging our physical endurance,” he said.

Cynthia Tushabomwe, a 20 year-old Senior six student at St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore in Rubanda district said she is participating in her first pilgrimage to pray for success in her studies and peace in her family and country.

Among the notable pilgrims is 75 year old Simon Tiwangye, who is walking for the eighth time. He revealed that his main prayer this year is for peace in Uganda, especially ahead of the 2026 general elections. “We saw chaos in the recent Kawempe North by-election. I am walking to Namugongo to pray that God grants Uganda peaceful elections,” Tiwangye said.

Uganda Martyrs Day is observed every Year on June 3 to honor the memory of a group of Christian converts who were martyred by Kabaka Mwana between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their faith. The celebration draws thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond, gathering at the Namugongo Shrine for prayer and reflection on the legacy left by the Uganda Martyrs.

Kabale Diocesan foot pilgrims will join thousands of other faithful to celebrate Martyrs’ Day on June 3. Lugazi Diocese will animate this year’s celebrations under the theme: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again; I , Your Pilgrim of Hope.”