The 724-foot pilgrims from 20 Catholic parishes in Nebbi Diocese are preparing to embark on their journey to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo on Wednesday.

Each year, Christians from various backgrounds undertake a pilgrimage to Namugongo to honour the memory of 45 Christian converts (22 Catholics and 23 Protestants) who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.

Fr. Joseph Luger, who heads the publicity and information committee, stated that the pilgrims would commence their journey after receiving blessings from the diocesan administrator and the newly appointed Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Raphael p'Mony Wokorach, at 10:00 am.

The pilgrims will set off for the approximately 450-kilometre-long journey to Namugongo from Uganda Martyrs Chapel, Namrwodho-Nebbi Cathedral Parish.

Fr Luger explained that Pakwach Catholic parish has the highest number of foot pilgrims 184, followed by Nebbi Cathedral Parish with 110, Zumbo Catholic Parish with 87, Erussi  Catholic Parish with 77, and others.

Meanwhile, Luger urged pilgrims to courageously bear the challenges throughout their journey, with the help of the Holy Spirit who will bless them with hope, energy, love and faith.

Nebbi Catholic Diocese, now 21 years old, was part of the then Gulu Apostolic Vicariate which started or was declared in 1923.

The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo will open for pilgrims to traverse its vast expanse on May 25.

Millions of pilgrims are expected at both the Namugongo and Nakiyanja shrines during Martyrs Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, Fr Nerris Oyirwoth, a member of the organising committee, revealed that besides the foot pilgrims, a total of 2,102 other pilgrims from the diocese are expected to attend this year’s celebrations at Namugongo.

This year’s occasion is to be animated by the Nebbi Catholic Diocese under the theme “for me, and my household we shall serve the Lord,” taken from Joshua 24:15.