Foot pilgrims must register before setting off, Police say

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As the Uganda Martyrs Day celebration approaches, Police have urged all dioceses, parishes, and churches to register foot pilgrims before they begin their journeys.

This year’s celebrations will be held on Tuesday, June 3, under the theme “Oh Lord Let Me See Again, I your pilgrim of hope” (Mark 10:51).

Superintendent of Police, Julius Gobolo, made the appeal during a preparatory meeting with members of the national committee at Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo, on Tuesday, May 13.

The meeting was attended by Secretary General Msgr John Baptist Kauta; Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese Msgr Richard Kayondo, who represented Bishop Christopher Kakooza; several security officers; committee members from Lugazi and the Catholic Secretariat at Nsambya; and priests.

Gobolo said, “Police all over the country will be on duty to streamline the movement of pilgrims (pedestrians) in every corner of the country. We request that, before starting the journey, pilgrims register with their dioceses, parishes and churches.”

He added, “Pilgrims, make sure that you know each other and the people you are moving with. Team leaders must ensure roll calls are done at every stopover to confirm everyone is still part of the group.”

“We, the Police, are ready for the function and also to escort all pilgrims from one station to another until they reach Namugongo. But in this era of terrorism, we want to know all the people who are moving,” he said.

Gobolo urged team leaders to report any missing persons in their groups to the nearest Police station.

He assured Christian pilgrims that there is no need to be afraid, as Police will be monitoring security in all areas.

Meanwhile, Police officials warned drivers against reckless driving and speeding along highways, especially during this period when many pilgrims are walking on foot.

“We have always asked drivers to slow down their vehicles for the safety of the pilgrims and other pedestrians, but some drivers continue to ignore Police directives,” Gobolo said.

Pilgrims have been advised to carry only essential items. Items that could cause harm or breach security will not be allowed in or out of the shrines.

Gobolo added that arrangements have been made with all Police stations nationwide to escort pilgrims and hand them over at district or regional boundaries.

Children

He also advised parents not to travel with children to Namugongo, but to leave them at home.

He said it is encouraging that the organisers have designated May 30 as a day for schoolchildren. “My humble request to all parents is to leave children at home that day,” he said.

Security measures

Regional internal security officer (RISO) Robert Okello said Police will soon release official guidelines.

“As security, we will put in place measures to ensure all pilgrims reach their destinations,” he said.

Okello also revealed that the Police would soon engage with hotel and accommodation owners in and around Namugongo.

Msgr Kayondo said the Ministry of Health has provided 13 ambulances for both shrines. “Police will help us identify the routes for ambulances to reach those in need of emergency referral care.”

“We wrote to various hospitals and health centres to support us with ambulances. We are still requesting more support. Those willing to help can contact the health committee,” he added.

Health team

Maria Goretti Nampijja, speaking on behalf of the Health Committee, said 120 health workers will be available to assist pilgrims.

She added, “So far, we have 19 medical doctors who have confirmed their availability from May 25 to June 5. Medical Stores have also offered drugs worth sh4m. We currently have only four ambulances but are still looking for more.”

Kayondo noted that food vending zones had been gazetted in consultation with the Shrine Parish Committee.

Walk of Faith

Secretary general of the Episcopal Conference, Msgr Kauta, announced that the annual Walk of Faith will take place on May 31, from Munyonyo to St Matia Mulumba in Old Kampala.

About the Martyrs

The annual celebration honours the martyrdom of 45 young men who converted to Christianity between 1885 and 1887, and were killed by order of Kabaka Mwanga.

In addition to the traditional 22 martyrs, Catholics also commemorate Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, catechists from northern Uganda who were martyred in Paimol in 1915.

The 22 Catholic martyrs were beatified on June 6, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV and canonised on October 18, 1964, by Pope Paul VI.

About Lugazi Diocese

Lugazi Catholic Diocese was established in 1997, following an announcement by Pope John Paul II on December 19, 1996. Its first bishop, Matthias Ssekamaanya, was inaugurated on February 23, 1997.

The current bishop, Christopher Kakooza, was installed on January 3, 2015.

Lugazi Diocese covers four districts: Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga and Buvuma. It also includes an island in Lake Victoria—Buvuma Islands (with over 50 smaller islands) and Koome Islands (about 30 islands). The diocese stretches from Namanve to the Nile Bridge in Jinja.