Northern Uganda pilgrims’ days away from Namugongo

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After eight strenuous days of trekking, pilgrims from various dioceses in northern Uganda, primarily Anglicans and some Catholics, are now only about 50 km away from reaching the Namugongo Uganda Martyrs shrines in Wakiso District.

Earlier Tuesday, the over 900 pilgrims set off from Luwero town, where they had spent the night, embarking on the day's footslog to Bombo, where they are spending the night before they go again on Wednesday.

The pilgrims are organised into three clusters:

▪️West Nile sub-region - which includes the Madi-West Nile Diocese and the Nebbi Diocese.

▪️Acholi sub-region - which consists of the Northern Uganda Diocese and the Kitgum Diocese.

▪️Lango sub-region - which is made up of the Lango Diocese and the West Lango Diocese.

The pilgrims are moving at different intervals and resting at various locations along their journey.

A total of 410 pilgrims from West Nile rested at St. John's Namaliga Church of Uganda. Meanwhile, 140 pilgrims from Acholi rested at Janan Secondary School. At the time of this report, 379 pilgrims from Lango were expected to arrive in Bombo at approximately 9:00 pm.

On Wednesday, the first batch of pilgrims is expected to set off at about 6:30 am. The pilgrims will end the day’s trek in Matugga, with Kampala clearly visible. They anticipate reaching Namugongo by Friday.

For most of the pilgrims, what seems like a laborious journey has actually been quite enjoyable. They have covered more than 200 kilometres, and yet every time bystanders cheer for them, they dance, sing, ululate, and even pick up their pace.

Some bystanders are generous; they rush to the passing pilgrims with bottles of water, snacks, and even money, donating enthusiastically in their excitement. These exchanges serve as fuel, igniting the pilgrims' desire to keep going.

Their safety is guaranteed by the Police, who involuntarily trek with them, controlling traffic and safeguarding them from would-be antagonisers. Sometimes, they are joined by UPDF soldiers. Armed with their AK-47s, they match alongside the pilgrims.

Fueled by their faith, these pilgrims are trekking to Namugongo, seeking the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs and mercy from God. One hymn after another, they sing and pray while the Catholics recite their rosaries.

Some pilgrims are praying for improved health and peace in their homes, while others, particularly the younger ones, are asking for God's provision. Many are on a journey to express their gratitude to the Lord for His goodness.

Each pilgrim is walking for reasons that are deeply personal to them.

Northern Uganda leading 2025 Martyrs Day

The six dioceses from northern Uganda are organising this year’s Martyrs Day at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso district. Lugazi Catholic Diocese will lead the event at the Catholic Shrine.