Orombi's selfless service shines on Nebbi pilgrims' journey

PILGRIMAGE  TO NAMUGONGO

For the pilgrims of the Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Robert Orombi is a beacon of inspiration and a rock-solid support system. With unwavering dedication, he has selflessly provided crucial assistance in various areas, including communication, welfare, morale-boosting, and traffic management.

His tireless efforts have earned him the admiration and reverence of every single pilgrim who cherishes his guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout their spiritual journey.

While trekking, he moves from one group boosting their morale by dancing or singing with them before he hops to another group to do the exact same thing. Whenever they reach a resting stop, he offers to translate for the pilgrims, especially in resting areas where their hosts can’t speak their local language: Alur.

Because of his booming voice, pilgrim leaders rely on him to disseminate important announcements and updates regarding the day's program, ensuring that everyone stays informed and on schedule.

Whenever the pilgrims resume their holy journey to Namugongo, Orombi takes charge of managing the traffic flow with unwavering dedication. With traffic flags in hand, he fearlessly directs the flow of vehicles, darting back and forth with unrelenting energy.

Orombi is one of the over 500 pilgrims on a pilgrimage to Namugongo Catholic Shrine for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. Photo by Hannington Mutabazi

One moment he's sprinting ahead to halt oncoming cars, and the next, he's guiding those behind. His commitment to this task has earned him the admiration of all, and even when fellow pilgrims attempt to assist, they can't match his enthusiasm and efficiency.

Orombi says he doesn’t do these things to impress people, but God.

“Don’t do things to impress people, but God; it’s then that he will lift you. The pilgrims and people love me because I am humble; the moment you humble yourself, offer yourself to others, people will respect you, and God will reward you,” he says.

‘Selfless mobiliser with many talents’

Orombi who will be making 49 later this year on November 23, describes himself as a selfless mobiliser blessed with very many talents.

With traffic flags in hand, Orombi fearlessly directs the flow of vehicles, darting back and forth with unrelenting energy. Photo by Hannington Mutabazi

He intimates that every time he wants to do anything, he first kneels and asks God to lead the way, and then, everything he does yields results.

“Everything has been made possible by God; It’s not a surprise for me when people appreciate what I do. These people have either gone through my hands or seen what I can do,” he says.

Orombi was raised by his grandparents; they took him through primary school and secondary school until Senior Four at St. Aloysius College Nyapea where he got a scholarship for his A’level.

After A level, he was offered a job at the school as a librarian and later as a laboratory assistant. He was also the games and scoutmaster.

He worked at the school for 12 years before he quit to go and try out a new path. He started as a security guard, working with Ultimate Security for two years. After his short security stint, he restored to events management, his sole source of income.

Because of Orombi's booming voice, pilgrim leaders rely on him to disseminate important

Orombi is a revered master of ceremony (MC) in the greater Nebbi, which includes Zombo, Nebbi and Pakwach districts. In a good season, mostly from September to December, he makes more than shillings one million.

“Before we set off for the pilgrimage, I had bookings of over shillings one million, but I had to turn them down so that I could come for the pilgrimage. Two people decided to extend their functions because they want me to be the MC,” he said.

‘I am a Protestant’

During the interview, Orombi made a surprising revelation, revealing that he was a Protestant (Anglican) by faith, having been baptised, confirmed, and married within the Protestant denomination - a fact that I least expected.

He said when it was announced that Nebbi Catholic Diocese would be leading this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at the Catholic shrine, he made up his mind that he would walk with the faithful from Nebbi to Namugongo to celebrate the day.

Over 500 Christians are on a pilgrimage to Namugongo Catholic Shrine for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. Photo by Hannington Mutabazi

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Orombi's life took a challenging turn towards the end of 2023 when he fell critically ill and was left paralysed on one side. Bedridden and immobile, his condition seemed hopeless, but a miraculous turnaround occurred when he was prayed for - he began to show signs of improvement.

This healing experience only strengthened his resolve to embark on the pilgrimage to Namugongo, driven by a desire to express his heartfelt gratitude to God for restoring his health.

Pilgrimage to Namugongo

Orombi is one of the over 500 foot pilgrims who were flagged off for the pilgrimage to Namugongo in Wakiso district on May 15, 2024, by the archbishop-elect of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Nebbi, Raphael P'Mony Wokorach.

By Tuesday (May 28), the pilgrims will have been trekking for 14 days (two weeks). They are expected to reach Namugongo Catholic Shrine on Wednesday (May 29).