Uganda's government has hinted at plans to re-organise the Namugongo Martyrs’ site into a state-of-the-art tourism centre.

In the plan that was presented by the energy and minerals minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, the government seeks to construct a hotel which will accommodate pilgrims.

“There is no reason why pilgrims should rent hotels outside, yet we have enough space here to have ours. We can earn from them,” Nankabirwa said on Thursday.

The energy and minerals minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, speaking after the Nkoyoyo Memorial Lecture. She represented President Yoweri Museveni. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Nankabirwa was speaking at the Nkoyoyo Memorial Lecture that was organised to commemorate the life of former Archbishop DR. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo at Namugongo Anglican Church Shrine in Kampala.

Representing President Yoweri Museveni, the minister also observed that Namugongo is a significant place that could earn the country revenue if well utilised.

In an interview, Captain Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda, told New Vision that the arrangements for this year’s martyrs day celebrations were underway.

“We are progressing well. We hope to be fully ready by June. We want to have more people gather at Namugongo,” Mukula said.

Nankabirwa laying a wreath on Nkoyoyo’s grave after the memorial lecture. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The late Nkoyoyo served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1995 to 2004. During his tenure, the Church made tremendous achievements in promoting the gospel and establishing of a number of development projects for the Church.