By Clare Nayebale
FORT PORTAL: More than 42,000 pilgrims on Monday 27.1.2026 participated in the 2026 celebrations in honor of St. Adolf Ludigo Tibeyalirwa Abwooli, a native of Myeri, Katoosa in Kyenjojo District, Fort Portal Diocese.
The Annual Pilgrimage Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha Adyeri, and concelebrated by Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti, Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira Amooti, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Sabiiti Mugenyi Apuuli, Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal and Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, the host Bishop.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Diocese referred to the martyrs as lamps of faith and encouraged Christians not only to uphold good moral conduct but also to actively teach faith to others.
He described that Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province is blessed to have three Martyrs, St. Adolf Ludigo Abwooli (Fort Portal Diocese), St. Andrea Kaahwa and St. Anatoli Kiligwaijo (both from Hoima Diocese). He also urged the faithful to be inspired by the Martyr’s faith and live lives that reflect God’s will.
Reflecting on the theme from Joshua 1:9, “Be courageous and do not be afraid,” Bishop Kirabo encouraged pilgrims to trust in God’s promises despite the challenges they face. He reminded them that perseverance leads to success, just as it did for the Uganda Martyrs.
He further cautioned Christians about the two paths the narrow and the wide observing that the world today is increasingly drawn to the wide path marked by corruption, injustice, wars, and other actions contrary to God’s will, advising believers to choose the narrow path that leads to eternal life, a path of light, peace, sacrifice, and faithfulness to God.
Bishop Kirabo emphasized that, beyond good behavior, Christians have a responsibility to teach and share the faith with others in order to sustain and strengthen God’s people across generations.
He commended the pilgrims for sacrificing their daily activities to take part in the pilgrimage and encouraged them to make pilgrimages a regular spiritual practice, not limited to January 27. He urged them to visit Katoosa throughout the year in groups and pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.
The Kyenjojo District Chairperson, Mr. Gilbert Rubaihayo noted that the government of Uganda has included plans for Katoosa in its 2026/2027 budget to improve the site’s infrastructure and to take greater responsibility for activities conducted there. He also encouraged the public to protect the environment and invest in income-generating agricultural activities.
In his remarks, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha Adyeri, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese commended the Government of Uganda for gazetting St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa Katoosa Martyr’s Shrine as an official pilgrimage and tourism site. He appreciated the government’s willingness to journey with the Church in ensuring that the people of God are well served.
He encouraged Christians to continue seeking the intercession of St. Adolf for peace and for all that reflects God’s love, especially in the aftermath of a rigorous national election process that has generated tension, joy, and disappointment. The Archbishop called for reconciliation, particularly among those affected by the outcomes, in order to promote lasting peace.
The host Bishop, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of the Diocese of Fort Portal, applauded the Bishops of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province for their unity, the organizers and individuals who devoted their time and energy to ensuring the success of the day.
Bishop Muhiirwa noted that, in line with the government’s plan to elevate Katoosa into a major tourism site, a committee has been instituted to follow up on the process, led by Fr. Edward Muhumuza and includes Fr. Adolf Busobozi, Fr. Moses Mutangirizi, Hon. Tom Butime, and engineers tasked with assessing the condition of the desired structures.
He further commended Butunduzi Parish for beautifully animating the Mass for the 2026 Katoosa Pilgrimage and announced that Nyahuka Parish under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Mwanga, will lead the celebrations in 2027. He announced that Nyahuka Parish of Fort Portal Diocese, under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Mwanga, will be responsible for animating the January 2027 Katoosa Pilgrimage.