Over 22,000 pilgrims already at Namugongo ahead of Martyrs’ Day
On Wednesday, May 29, pilgrims were seen arriving with their luggage and queuing to enter the premises.
Pilgrims from Rushanje Catholic Parish in Mbarara Archdiocese arrived at Namugongo on Wednesday morning. The team led by catechist Lydia Byemanya of Kitozo Centre. (Photos by Juliet Anna Lukwago)
By Juliet Anna Lukwago
Journalists @New Vision
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As Christians prepare to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day on June 3, thousands of pilgrims have already arrived at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo.
Pilgrims, who trek for days from across Uganda and neighbouring countries, have converged on Namugongo to take part in the annual Martyrs Day celebrations.
The Namugongo shrines are among Uganda’s most significant religious and historical sites. They hold deep spiritual meaning for both Catholics and Anglicans.
The site marks where 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican Ugandan martyrs died for their faith. Each year, it continues to inspire millions of Christians from across the world.
On Wednesday, May 29, pilgrims were seen arriving with their luggage and queuing to enter the premises.
Police officers were checking all entrants and scanning their belongings using security machines.
At the Catholic Shrine, the atmosphere was filled with praise and worship as jubilant pilgrims who had made the journey awaited this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3.
Although the main event is still four days away, many pilgrims, priests and other faithful were already engaged in confessions.
Meanwhile, organisers are working around the clock to ensure Tuesday’s event is a success.
Most of the pilgrims New Vision spoke to said they were praying for peace as the country prepares for elections early next year, as well as for their families, jobs for their children, and Uganda’s economy.
“We are grateful to God for bringing us this far to Namugongo,” said John Opondo from Kenya. “Such a journey strengthens our faith, as the martyrs did.”
Pilgrims from around the world continue to flock to the shrines. At the site, many could be seen collecting holy water.
At the Catholic Shrine, police officers led by Phiona Karungi, in charge of community affairs in Kira Municipality, moved around sensitising pilgrims about theft and urging them not to allow strangers to join their groups.
“We started this exercise to sensitise the communities around on May 11 to be conscious of their property. The thieves are also here. Those who feel ill should go for medical check-ups, and anyone who has lost property should report to the police tent,” Karungi said.
She added: “Don’t fear the police officers — they are here to keep law and order. If you have any problem, tell them and they will help you find the right person.”
Pilgrims from Bugoma Lower part in Kenya arrived at Namugongo Catholic Shrine on Wednesday (May 29, 2025).
She also warned: “If they [officers] are not around at their stations, inform the people you came with — but not just anyone — because not everyone comes for prayers. Some come with the intention of stealing.”
She cautioned pilgrims not to buy phones or other items, and advised: “When sleeping, don’t all sleep at once. And also, pray for us too.”
Among those who arrived on Wednesday was a group of 51 pilgrims from Kenya.
Pilgrim numbers rise
According to members of the pilgrim organising committee, over 22,000 pilgrims had already entered the Catholic shrine grounds by Wednesday afternoon.
“The number of pilgrims keeps changing. As of 2pm today, we have 22,000, and others are still entering,” the team said.
However, the Parish Priest of Namugongo, Fr Vincent Lubega, noted that the number of pilgrims keeps increasing, with many coming and going. “Today we received many schools from Masaka Diocese for their pilgrimage,” he said.
Fr Lubega called on parents to send their children to take part in the special pilgrimage for schools on Friday. “This day was organised specifically for schools, both primary and secondary,” he said.
At the Catholic Shrine, members of the Charismatic Renewal were seen caring for arriving pilgrims by providing them with tea and bread.
Health services
Dr Joseph Ekong from the Catholic Medical Bureau said the Ministry of Health has organised 40 ambulances to serve both the Anglican and Catholic shrines.
“We have received drugs from the Ministry and National Medical Stores. We now have enough supplies, and 120 medical workers are stationed at the Catholic Shrine,” he said.
This year’s celebration at the Catholic Shrine has been organised by Lugazi Diocese under the theme: “Oh Lord Let Me See Again, I Your Pilgrim of Hope” (Mark 10:51).
Foot pilgrims from host diocese
Over 10,000 foot pilgrims from Lugazi, the hosting diocese, are preparing to set off for Namugongo on June 1 ahead of the Martyrs Day celebration.
Each year, pilgrims walk long distances to reach the Uganda Martyrs Shrine. Others use different forms of transport to enable them to access the shrine for prayer.
Fr Godfrey Mboowa, the Pastoral Coordinator of Lugazi Diocese, confirmed on May 28, 2025, that more than 10,000 Lugazi foot pilgrims are ready to begin their journey.
“Lugazi Diocese is near Kampala and under the ecclesiastical province of Kampala, as a suffragan diocese of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala. This means it falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Kampala. The pilgrims will move for one day to Namugongo,” he said.