VP Alupo vows continued support for church during Munyonyo pilgrimage

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Vice President Jessica Alupo has pledged support for church activities and reaffirmed her commitment as a parishioner during a pilgrimage to Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine.

Alupo, who attended evening Holy Mass at the shrine on May 3, 2026, said she intends to become a regular worshipper at the parish and commended the church for its continued role in community life.

The Vice President was welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Ulman Wojtek, popularly known as Fr Male.

The Parish Priest of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Fr Ulman Wojtek a.k.a Fr Male welcomes HE Vice President Jessica Alupo before evening Mass on Sunday May 3, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

While addressing the congregation, Alupo said, “You will see me regularly now at this Church. I thank you for continuing to keep Parish shining.”

She also applauded faith-based institutions for their contribution to community empowerment and development, noting that they complement government efforts in service delivery.

Alupo added that the government remains committed to providing services such as education and fighting poverty.

About Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine

Munyonyo was built near the shores of Lake Victoria and dedicated to two of the 22 Uganda Martyrs, Saints Andrea Kaggwa and Dennis Ssebuggwaawo.

The shrine premises, which resemble a tourist resort because of their historical significance, attractive architecture and refreshing breeze, were consecrated as a Minor Basilica.

Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, where the journey of the Martyrs to Namugongo began, became a full parish under Kampala Archdiocese in 2016 after Pope Francis visited Uganda in November 2015.

According to the parish priest, Fr Male, the shrine is located about 12.6 kilometres from Kampala city centre along Salaama Road, which also leads to the Royal Regatta on Lake Victoria.

The Parish Priest of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Fr Ulman Wojtek a.k.a Fr Male celebrating evening Mass on Sunday May 3, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

“Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine consecrated as minor Basilica on July 29, the parish sits on a six-acre chunk of land,” Fr Male said.

Fr Male said that the Vice President came as a Christian and that the church had been informed in advance that she would pray with them.

“Before Munyonyo was a sub-parish of Ggaba Catholic Parish became the annals of the Catholic Church when Pope Francis visited it, thereby becoming the first sub-parish to be visited by the Holy See. The Pope was here in November 2015 on a special pilgrimage to Uganda in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.” Fr Male explained.