Nebbi pilgrims reach Namugongo filled with praise and hope

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 UGANDA MARTYRS DAY BUILDUP 

(This coverage has been sponsored by Equity Bank Uganda)

Energized by a two-day rest at St Luke's Church Ntinda in Kampala, the over 400 foot pilgrims from the northern Ugandan diocese of Nebbi, led by their vibrant cultural team, embarked Saturday on their final leg to Namugongo with the sort of exuberance that lit up their lively procession to the famed site of the Uganda Martyrs.

Nebbi Diocese is part of the Northern Uganda Cluster, which is leading this year’s Anglican Martyrs Day celebrations.

The Nebbi Anglican Diocese Cultural Team's vibrant performances fueled the group's final stretch to the Anglican Martyrs Site, doing well to draw the attention of roadside onlookers.

They brought the route to life with songs of praise and the distinctive rhythms of the Agwara dance, accompanied by the infectious sounds of the side-blown Agwara trumpet.

So compelling was their display-in-motion that some local residents succumbed to the temptation of joining in the celebration in areas such as Kyaliwajjala.

They accompanied the spirited pilgrims on their final leg.

After three hours of a vibrant procession, the sizeable group eventually arrived at Namugongo.

They were welcomed by Bishop Pons Ozelle of Nebbi Diocese, who offered prayers and expressed gratitude to all those who had hosted and supported the pilgrims along the way.

“This is the first time Nebbi is taking part in the Martyrs Day celebrations. We thank God for protecting our people. There were no accidents or illnesses. Many people supported us with water, food, and love, which kept us going,” said Ozelle.

“Expect more Agwara, praising God in our unique cultural way."

'Happy to be here'

The pilgrims expressed their joy, relief and faith after reaching Namugongo.

“I am so happy to be here. It’s my first time, and I can’t wait for God to answer my prayers in this place,” said Conslate Amaruwoth.

“I believe God will answer my prayers and restore my sight. I’ve been blind since 2018, and I have faith that I will be healed after coming here,” said Rogers Adegitho.

This year's Anglican Martyrs Day celebrations are being organized by the Northern Uganda Cluster dioceses under the theme: Imitating God’s goodness by doing good.

The dioceses are Kitgum, Northern Uganda, Lango, West Lango, Nebbi, and Madi West Nile.

Having arrived in Kampala on Thursday (May 29), right on schedule, the large group of pilgrims from Nebbi Diocese camped at St Luke's Church, Ntinda for a two-day breather.

Recharged and after holding overnight prayers, the team (led by the Nebbi Anglican Diocese Cultural Team after conducting their rehearsals), prayed and then hit the road for Namugongo.

They thanked God for protecting them every step of the way.

'Great time'

The St Luke's Church management paid tribute to the team and felt honoured to have hosted them.

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"It has been a great time being with them from Thursday to today (Saturday) as they set off [for Namugongo]," said Hope Enid Mpiriirwe, who chairs the Missions Department at St Luke's Church, Ntinda.

"When you look at the so many churches in Kampala, choosing us as St Luke's Church to host this big number of people, we really thank the Lord so much," she said.

"The pilgrims have been so disciplined. We have learnt from them and they have learnt from us."

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Cosmic Womola, the team leader of the Nebbi Diocese Cultural Team, said that the group had undergone two weeks of intense training in preparation for this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations. 

“While our fellow pilgrims walked ahead, we stayed behind to train so we could give you the best performance," he said.

"We traveled overnight and arrived this [Saturday] morning."