Greater North pilgrims converge in Luwero after seven-day trek

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A total of 927 pilgrims from all six Anglican dioceses in the Greater North, who are on a pilgrimage to Namugongo Martyrs shrine, have finally united as one group at St Mark’s Cathedral in Luwero, approximately 272km from Gulu city.

This milestone follows a seven-day trek from various locations across the Greater North. The pilgrims have so far covered more than 70% of the total journey. They aim to complete the remaining 72km in the three days leading up to Friday, May 30.

An Anglican priest from St Philip’s Cathedral, the headquarters of the Diocese of Northern Uganda (DNU), who is among the spiritual leaders of the pilgrims, confirmed that the group united after seven days of walking separately since May 19.

Rev. Odokonyero said the group includes 128 pilgrims from the Diocese of Northern Uganda, 265 from the Diocese of Lango, and 114 from the Diocese of West Lango. Others include 356 pilgrims from the Diocese of Nebbi, 52 from the Diocese of Madi, and 12 from the Diocese of Kitgum.

This large number of pilgrims from the Greater North is expected to form part of the believers set to gather at the Namugongo shrines for this year’s 68th anniversary of Uganda Martyrs’ Day.

Among this year’s pilgrims is six-year-old Joel Ogwal, a Primary One pupil at Lacor Primary School in Amuru District. He is the son of Anglican lay reader Jacklyn Aguti Ocen, aged 36.

Rev. Odokonyero said the pilgrims are hopeful of reaching Namugongo after an 11-day journey between May 30 and 31.

The central organising committee for this year’s pilgrimage expects over 1,500 pilgrims from across the Greater North.

The Anglican dioceses animating this year’s anniversary include the dioceses of Northern Uganda and Kitgum from northern Uganda, the Diocese of Nebbi and East Madi Diocese from the West Nile region, and the dioceses of East and West Lango from the Lango region.

Since departing Gulu city on day one, the pilgrims have made overnight stops at Apwoyo-cero (47km) in Oyam district, Jerusalem Church of Uganda at Karuma (76km) on day two, Bweyale (93km) on day three, and Kiryandongo (122km) on day four. The journey resumed on Friday, May 23, for day five.

Brief background

At least 45 Christians—23 Anglican converts and 22 Roman Catholics—were executed over 14 decades ago between 1885 and 1887 and are recognised as Uganda’s national martyrs. They were allegedly killed on the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda.

Among the Uganda Martyrs, the youngest was Saint Kizito, believed to have been between 13 and 14 years old. The oldest was Mathias Kalemba Mulumba Wante, who was reportedly around 50.