Getting set for Martyrs' Day: In pictures

Next week, Uganda will host thousands of pilgrims from all over the globe for the Uganda Martyrs' Day, held every June 3.

This year's events are being organised by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda - Mityana led by Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa with a 400-strong choir.

Ahead of the day, already a number of pilgrims have made their way to Namugongo. It's a time of cleaning, praying and getting all set for a big day, as New Vision photojournalist Wilfred Sanya found out . . .

Police officers monitoring the security situation at Namugongo

 

Many pilgrims will visit the Uganda Martyrs Museum at Namugongo

 

The Namugongo road being cleaned ahead of the main celebrations

 

A group of young Ugandan Christians were killed on the orders of King Mwanga for refusing to denounce their faith. The Chief executor was Mukajanga, depicted in this sculpture

 

Before they were executed, the Christians were imprisoned, in the hope that they would change their mind. They didn't

 

 

 

 

Here, these two Christians pray at the memorial of St Dennis Ssebugwawo and St Mukasa Kiriwanvu at Namugongo

 

 

 The site is being cleaned ahead of the big day

 

 

This elderly pilgrim takes a nap outside the Basilica at Namugongo. Many Christians walk miles and miles to get to Namugongo every year.

 

Prayers and mass are being held at Namugongo in the build-up to Martyrs' Day

 

 

Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (IHMR), Ggogonya attend mass with other Christians at Namugongo

 

 

 The lush terraces in the background will be filled by June 3

 

 

A young Christian prays silently inside the Basilica

 

 

Christian getting information regarding this year's celebrations from the St. Jude Nagullu tent

 

 A cleaner gives one of the sculptures a thorough wash