Thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the country have arrived at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Katoosa, Kyenjojo district.

Their arrival is ahead of the main celebration slated for January 27, 2023.

Pilgrims flocking the Martyrs Shrine in Katoosa Kyenjojo District.

The Katoosa Catholic Martyrs Shrine is mainly composed of over 30 huge rocks some of which stand over 15 feet tall above the ground.

It is on these huge rocks that the pilgrims climb on top as they pray for the intercession of mainly St Adolf Tibeyalirwa who was born in Katoosa Catholic parish.

The rocks bear paintings and portraits of various other Saints who were killed at Namugongo in Wakiso district.

On each painting of a Saint, the faithful pilgrims kneel and pray for intercession.

Chairperson organising committee Fr Charles Oyo says they are expecting an amazing and wonderful celebration at the home of St Adolf Tibeyalirwa.

He adds that as a diocese, the celebration is an opportunity to witness the sad moment in which the Martyrs were killed, which he says is also an inspiration for many to stand out and fight against all bad activities against humanity.

Fr Oyo added that the martyrs, who worked hard and stood for their faith, gave a spark of a good example to grow as Christians.

Katoosa Catholic parish priest Fr Vanansio Busobozi says the massive turn-up of pilgrims is overwhelming.

He adds that the turn-up is a great opportunity for the diocese and also an indicator that people are responding to the word of God and are thirsty for the gospel.

Joint security forces have been deployed at the shrine to ensure safety, according to Busobozi.