Road to Namugongo: West Nile pilgrims enter Kampala

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(This coverage has been sponsored by Equity Bank Uganda)

The enthusiasm that foot pilgrims feel while being cheered on their trek to Namugongo Martyrs Shrines in Wakiso district is indescribable. Their weary, sweaty faces are brightened by smiles, and they seem to gain a fresh surge of energy.

The ululations from bystanders act like an energy drink, making them feel euphoric as they dance, sing, and jump with joy.

▪️ Northern Uganda pilgrims’ days away from Namugongo

This group from the West Nile sub-region has been on the road for over 10 days. It consists of two Anglican dioceses: the Madi-West Nile Diocese and the Nebbi Diocese. While the majority of the members are Anglicans, there are also a few Catholics involved, demonstrating a spirit of unity.

The group of approximately 410 pilgrims departed earlier Thursday from Lwadda Church of Uganda in Matugga, Wakiso District, where they had spent the night. The day before, they had arrived from Bombo in Luwero District.

The pilgrims now have their sights on the next stop in Ntinda, a suburb in Kampala, on their quest to Namugongo. The distance between Matugga and Ntinda is about 20km. It’s here where the two dioceses will split up.

Rev. Philliam Alaku of the Madi-West Nile Diocese stated that their group will go to St. Peter’s Church, Naguru, where they will spend the remaining days prior to their final entry into Namugongo on June 2, 2025. Meanwhile, the pilgrims from the Nebbi Diocese will stay at St. Luke’s Church, Ntinda.

Excitement and gratitude

When interacting with the pilgrims, you can feel their contagious optimism. As they travel the road, many of them sing hymns while others quietly murmur prayers. Their commitment and vulnerability in expressing their hearts to God is truly remarkable to witness. Just by talking to them, you can sense an unusual energy. They speak with confidence and hope.

For Eric Mungujabero, who is confined to a tricycle, often wears a bright smile on his face. He pedals with his hands, staying focused and often leading the group. Whenever his fellow pilgrims notice that he is running low on energy or struggling on hilly parts of the road, they come to his aid by pushing him from behind.

▪️ Nebbi pilgrim with disability aspires to inspire others

Mungujabero has a charm that attracts others to him. His quick wit and humorous jokes keep everyone laughing, creating an infectious and uplifting atmosphere.

This is Mungujabero's second time trekking to Namugongo. He made his debut last year when the Nebbi Catholic Diocese organised the Uganda Martyrs Day at the Catholic Shrine. Just like last year, he is once again a centre of attention, alongside David Thumirowot, who also has a disability and uses a tricycle.

"I am so happy that I am about to reach my destination. It has been a hectic journey, especially for me. It's hard to push myself in hilly areas, but my fellow pilgrims have supported me every time I needed help," he says.

Mungujabero is more concerned about the well-being of his fellow pilgrims than about himself. This rare quality is a big part of why he is so beloved among his peers.

Different languages, one journey

When you meet these pilgrims, you might not notice a significant challenge they have faced since the beginning of their journey. They move in straight lines, marching at a similar pace and singing the same hymns. It may be hard to believe that their main obstacle is a language barrier.

The pilgrims from Nebbi predominantly speak Alur, while their counterparts from Madi-West Nile mainly communicate in Lugbara and Madi. This language distinction is quite substantial, yet they have successfully coordinated their movement until they reach their splitting point in Ntinda.

In an interview with Rev. Alaku, he emphasised this challenge: “We speak Lugbara, while the Nebbi pilgrims speak Alur. We’ve had to rely on translators, and sometimes the pilgrims resort to sign language to communicate with one another,” he explained.

Northern Uganda leading 2025 Martyrs Day

The two dioceses from West Nile are part of the other four dioceses from the greater northern Uganda that 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.

The other four dioceses include the Northern Uganda Diocese and Kitgum Diocese from the Acholi sub-region, as well as the Lango Diocese and West Lango Diocese from the Lango sub-region.