When Nebbi Catholic Pilgrims entered Luwero district, it felt like a triumphal entry. From Kasana, excited bystanders erupted into jubilant cheers, ululating and dancing with unbridled enthusiasm, their vibrant movements and joyful shouts filling the air.

The market vendors rushed to the pilgrims and gave them foodstuff, mostly yellow bananas, and some others gave them money. They mostly singled out the young, elderly and those with disabilities (PWDs).

A pilgrim poses for a picture with the pilgrims after giving some pilgrims money.

Some other onlookers rushed to the pilgrims and gave them money. It was an enjoyable experience – they hadn’t experienced such love since they started the trek to Namugongo. Although the excited locals interfered with the pace and the organised movement of the pilgrims, it somehow created some vibe.

They sang louder and danced along with those who had joined them, although they were cautioned by the leaders not to lose track of their mission.

Pilgrims singing and dancing as they enterd St Kizito Kasana Luwero Diocese cathedral.

The two pilgrims with disabilities, Eric Mungu Jabero and David Thumirwoth, were the biggest beneficiaries of the locals' kindness and generosity. Their tricycles were filled to the brim with foodstuff. They had to store some food items offered to them with the other pilgrims.

The atmosphere in Kasana town was unrivalled. At about 2:30 pm, they had reached their resting point – they branched off to St Kizito Kasana Luwero Diocese where they will refresh and spend the night before they resume their trek to Namugongo. On Saturday, they expect to rest in Bombo town, still in Luwero.

Braving the rain from Kakooge

Unlike other days, the pilgrims woke up on Friday to drizzling skies. They were up by 6:00 am but had to delay the footslog due to rain. However, due to the unrelenting rain, at 7:00 am, the pilgrims hit the road and walked in it. 

The pilgrims covered a distance of 25 kilometres from Kakooge in Nakasongola district to Luwero - Kasana.

They were well prepared for such conditions; many donned makeshift raincoats crafted from polythene bags or plastic sheets.

Since starting the trek a week ago, this was the first time it rained on them. It didn’t kill their resolve in any way, instead, they walked even faster. Before 9:00 am, they had covered more than six kilometres from Kakooge in Nakasongola district.

A relaxing evening in Kasana

Reaching Luwero is a milestone. The pilgrims have been on the road for nine days, covering over 250 kilometres.

David Thumirwoth overwelmed by the generosity of people in Kasana town.

While in Kasana, after they were shown where to lodge (St Jude Primary School classes), most of them loitered around the compound, relaxing from the gruelling 25 kilometres from Kakooge.

Some pilgrims used this chance to wash their clothes, while others moved and adventured about in Kasana town. They mostly moved in groups; you would recognise them from their yellow reflector jackets inscribed at the back with this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebration theme “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord...” Joshua 24:15.

David Thumirwoth overwelmed by the generosity and kindness of the people in Kasana town.

At about 7:15 am, the pilgrims were served supper, their usual posho and beans. Every day, they are served one meal and a cup of black tea. According to their leaders, the pilgrims consume 40 kilograms of beans and 80 kilograms of posho.

Next stop, Bombo

On Saturday, the pilgrims expect to resume their trek to Namugongo. Their next stop will be Bombo town; about 30 kilometres, away from Luwero.