Masaka Police warn motorists against injuring pilgrims

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As Uganda Martyrs Day (June 3) draws, the Police in Greater Masaka have warned motorists, especially bus and taxi drivers, against speeding to avoid injuring pilgrims using the western axis.

South region Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye says all security agencies in Greater Masaka are working together to provide enough security and protection to all pilgrims, especially those using the western axis.

The Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway is always busy around this time with large volumes of pilgrims trekking from various Anglican and Roman Catholic dioceses from as far as across the borders in Rwanda and the DR Congo.

A group of about 230 pilgrims last week set off from Kabale diocese and are expected to be joined by several other groups along the way. They are expected to arrive at the Uganda Martyrs Basilica, Namugongo in Wakiso district by May 31.

“The Police in Greater Masaka are escorting all the pilgrims to give them protection as they walk in groups until they leave the region and handing them over to our counterparts in other regions,” Kasirye said on May 26, 2025, adding that escorting the groups would ensure they wave down speeding motorists to avoid injuring the trekkers.

“During this time, we caution all motorists to be informed of unusual groups along the highway and reduce speed,” he said.

The Police say they are also giving constant briefs to the pilgrims to keep walking in groups, which would enable the Police to guide and stop motorists from speeding as they approach the groups. 

“We are telling the pilgrims to always break off whenever they feel they want to have a rest, instead of exhausting themselves and avoid incidents of collapsing along the way. They need to have enough rest before they resume their journey,” Kasirye explained, wishing all the pilgrims a safe trek.

Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) chairperson Rashid Ssekindi said taxi drivers are always aware that at this time, the roads are busy with mainly faithfuls from rural areas, including the elderly and children not accustomed to using highways and tend to drive watchfully.

“However, the roads, especially the western axis, are always busy with various motorists, including drivers of private vehicles, speeding buses and heavy trucks fetching sand from Lwera wetland that often ignore Police warnings,” Ssekindi said.

He appealed to the traffic police to always keep their presence and watch over motorists.

“We have also warned our drivers to know this is a busy season and be patient whenever they have been asked to reduce speed or stop,” he said. 

Between mid-May and June 3 every year, many devoted Christians choose to walk to Namugongo to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs who were massacred by the late King of Buganda, Daniel Mwanga II, for their refusal to relinquish their faith.

The Christians, therefore, use the period to commemorate them and take the chance to express their devotion.

They also believe that the pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, and choose to walk for days, praying, singing and some drumming up to Namugongo in a show of worship and seeking divine guidance, healing, and blessings.