Foot Pilgrims Arrive at Namugongo, Urged to Return Home

Some  believers, from the Catholic and Anglican Churches, were seen at the Martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo, even after the national event was called off due to the outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus

On Tuesday afternoon,  some pilgrims arriving at the sacred sites after days of walking. They seemed unaware of the full implications of the government’s restrictions on the annual national pilgrimage.

At the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, security personnel and shrine officials allowed the pilgrims to access, pray, attend Mass, and tour the grounds before advising them to return home to avoid unnecessary gatherings.  

Among those who completed the journey was 20-year-old Senior Six vacationist Resta Mbwali from Amuria District.  Mbwali said she had spent three days walking to Namugongo and that it was her first visit to the shrine.

She expressed excitement upon reaching the holy site, taking time to pray, attend Mass, and visit various sections of the shrine.   Mbwali said she only learned about the cancellation of the national pilgrimage after arriving and planned to begin her return journey immediately after prayers.

media also observed several elderly women who had travelled on foot being gently advised by officials to return to their homes after offering their prayers.   Security personnel said they had noticed pilgrims arriving with luggage but explained that they could not completely deny them access to the holy site. Instead, they allowed them to pray before strongly encouraging them to return home.

Rev. Fr. Vincent Lubega, the Parish Priest and Rector of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, said shrine authorities have been counselling many pilgrims who continue to arrive despite repeated public announcements.

This year’s Martyrs Day celebrations were decentralized following government directives aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola. Pilgrims were advised to mark the day from their respective dioceses and parishes instead of travelling to Namugongo.

At the Anglican Martyrs Site in Nakiyanja, the situation was similar, although access controls appeared stricter. Our reporter found a retired priest who declined to reveal his identity after trekking from Ankole to attend the June 3 celebrations.

Rev. Canon Michael Wasswa Ssentamu, the Archdeacon of Namugongo, expressed surprise that some pilgrims had still travelled to Namugongo despite widespread communication about the restrictions.

He added that they have advised those who arrive to report to the police officers at the main gate to assess them and determine the appropriate course of action.

Unlike the Catholic shrine, which remained open to worshippers under strict health precautions, the Anglican site appeared more restrictive as preparations for Wednesday’s commemorations entered the final stages.