Moments of faith: 72 powerful images from Namugongo Shrine

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Namugongo Catholic Shrine was bustling with activity, both inside and out. The number of faithful arriving at the shrine was immense, with security measures in place at every corner.

Before 7:00 am, the shrine was already crowded, yet more people continued to arrive. It was nearly impossible to navigate through the large crowd that gathered to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.

The faithful sang, cheered, prayed, and worshipped as they awaited Mass. The beautiful sunrise added vibrancy to the already well-decorated shrine, enhancing the atmosphere.

The well-paved grounds and pavilion were filled to capacity. Prominent figures, including government officials, local leaders, politicians, and clergy, were present for the celebration.

Lugazi Diocese led the national Catholic liturgy under the theme "Walking in the Footsteps of the Martyrs for a Faithful Journey." According to the organisers, this theme honours the courage and unwavering faith of the martyrs.

Accompanied by other members of the clergy, Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese led the Mass at the Catholic shrine.

He paid tribute to the recently elected Pope Leo XIV and also honoured the man he succeeded, Pope Francis, who died on April 21 this year at the age of 88.

Kakooza said the late pontiff made the pilgrimage to Namugongo and also declared 2025 as the Year of Jubilee, with the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope'.

The Lugazi bishop said Namugongo is a place of "faith and hope", explaining the essence of a pilgrimage — a journey undertaken by a person of faith.

"Hope is the cornerstone of our pilgrimage. Hope inspires love. Love motivates us to serve others selflessly. A pilgrimage of hope is an internal, spiritual journey that unfolds in daily life through prayer and acts of charity," preached Kakooza.

"We participate in this spiritual journey in communion with God and others. The pilgrimage of hope is a journey of resilience. Life is full of challenges, moments of doubt and suffering. Hope enables us to persevere. It reminds us that our struggles are temporary.

"The martyrs of Uganda were inspired to understand this. Charles Lwanga, Matia Mulumba and companions were ready to suffer in the hope of what was to come.

"Their mission was to witness the passion and resurrection of Christ. They have handed over that mission to us. Dear Christians, with love and joy, we proclaim the hope of resurrection to the world."

The day was filled with vibrant colours, joyful voices from the choir, and the hopeful faithful who cheered and sang along without tiring. Every participant actively engaged in the celebration.

As the day progressed, it became even more special when a gentle drizzle began. Those with umbrellas quickly pulled them out to shield themselves from the rain. The soft drizzles provided a perfect end to the day.

The event concluded well, leaving the faithful satisfied with the message they had received. As the celebration came to a close, everyone began to make their way home. One by one, they gathered their belongings and headed to the nearest exit, already looking forward to returning next year to celebrate the Martyrs on June 3.

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Through Moses Nsubuga's lens, each picture tells a story. The atmosphere was vibrant, adding to an already colourful day. From the crowds to the processions and the gentle drizzles, every moment was filled with emotion and a sense of awe.

Take a look at these stunning shots.

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Tight security

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After a night of vibrant worship, singing, and praise, a brief doze was inevitable. 

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Procession at Catholic shrine

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Offertory time

The faithful, led by Vice President Jessica Alupo and government ministers, brought offertory to the altar. Various pilgrims presented a range of offerings, accompanied by the choir's angelic voices.

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Drizzles from Heaven

The gentle drizzle from the sky made the day feel even more special. As the saying goes, light rain is a sign of blessings, and everyone surely took a piece of that blessing home with them. The soft rain provided a perfect conclusion to the day.

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Beautiful voices and signs of miracles

The angelic voices in the Catholic shrine were a delight to hear. Every note was perfect, and each song created a spiritual atmosphere that resonated with the faithful. Amidst the beautiful choir, a rather peculiar situation unfolded.

The congregation looked up at the sky in awe. Some claimed to see a figure of Mother Mary, while others interpreted what they saw as a sign of miracles. These moments were captured by Mpalanyi Ssentongo.

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Pilgrims from different nations

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Signs of miracles in the sky

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More pictures from Namugongo Shrine, captured by Maria Wamala.

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