Madi pilgrims begin religious trek to Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo

A total of 52 devoted Christians from the Anglican Diocese of Madi West Nile have embarked on a historic foot pilgrimage to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Wakiso District. 

The faithful were officially flagged off on the evening of Friday, May 16, by Arua City Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua and clergy in an emotional ceremony that marked the beginning of a 450-kilometer journey of faith, unity, and spiritual renewal.

“This is a journey of sacrifice for the people of West Nile,” said Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua during the send-off. “I appeal to all people in the region to support these foot pilgrims who have embarked on this noble walk of faith.”

Rev. Julius Ezatabi, chairperson of the foot pilgrims representing six cluster dioceses in Northern Uganda, described the event as a spiritual milestone.

“Whereas more than 1,000 pilgrims from across the region will join this walk,   this is the first time Madii has mobilised to move as a group,” Rev. Ezatabi said. “It’s a moment of spiritual renewal and unity among believers.”

Among the pilgrims is 70-year-old Salome Efukia, taking part in the trek for the first time.

“I have been yearning to reach the Martyrs Shrine, but many things held me back,” she said. “Now, I have a group of people who share my faith and believe we can make it. All I can say is that we shall go, renew our faith, and God will answer all our problems.”

Organisers confirmed that the Madi West Nile pilgrims will join over 300 others from the Nebbi Anglican Diocese today, Saturday, May 17. (Credit: John Paul Opio)

Nasa Geoffrey, diocesan secretary of Madi West Nile, called the journey a landmark moment for the diocese.

“This is the first time our diocese is sending foot pilgrims,” he said. “It’s a great moment of joy, transformation, and development for the entire diocese.”

The group also includes an 80-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl, highlighting the intergenerational commitment to faith and devotion. 

Organisers confirmed that the Madi West Nile pilgrims will join over 300 others from the Nebbi Anglican Diocese today, Saturday, May 17.

The pilgrims, drawn from various parts of the diocese, will traverse several districts before reaching Namugongo, where they will join others from across the northern region and the country to mark Martyrs’ Day on June 3.

Each year, thousands of Christians gather at Namugongo to honour the 45 Christian martyrs, 22 Catholics and 23 Protestants who were killed between 1885 and 1886 under the rule of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda.

This year’s Martyrs Day celebration at the Anglican shrine will be organised by the six Anglican dioceses in Northern Uganda: West Lango, Lango, Kitgum, and Northern Uganda.

Nebbi, and Madi West Nile. The 2025 national celebration is expected to draw nearly one million pilgrims to Namugongo on June 3.