Thousands continue to throng Namugongo ahead of Martyrs Day

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With just hours to go before the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, thousands of pilgrims from across the globe continue to gather at the Namugongo Shrine to honour the Uganda Martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.

The pilgrims include visitors from Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, South Sudan, South Africa, Germany, the USA, Italy, and other countries.

June 3 is recognised as a public holiday in Uganda, established to commemorate the 24 Catholic Martyrs and 23 Anglican Martyrs.

The 22 Catholic Martyrs were beatified on June 6, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, and later declared saints on October 18, 1964, by Pope Paul VI.

Monday

Security at Namugongo is tight, with numerous police officers and military personnel deployed at both the Catholic and Anglican shrines to maintain law and order. The security detail includes officers in both uniform and plain clothes, as well as members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Sisters with others on their way to Namugongo. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)

This year, Lugazi Catholic Diocese is animating the national liturgy at the Catholic Shrine, while the northern dioceses are leading the celebrations at the Anglican Shrine in Nakiyanja.

At the Catholic Shrine, praise and worship are already underway. Jubilant pilgrims continue to arrive, with many seen singing, sleeping, or queuing for confession as they await the main Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3. Organisers continue to work around the clock to ensure the event is a success.

Pilgrims lining to enter at Catholic Martyrs Shrine Namugongo. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)

The theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again, I Your Pilgrim of Hope” (Mark 10:51).

According to Fr Godfrey Mboowa, the chairman of the organising committee and Lugazi Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, a 500-member choir will perform during the June 3 celebrations. The choir includes organists and dancers selected from all parishes in the Diocese.

Pilgrims collecting holy water from containers. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)

He noted that the hosting dioceses are fully prepared to lead the liturgy on the day.

Decoration

Uganda Martyrs open air Altar decorated well for tomorrow’s celebration on June 3. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)

The venue has been decorated in red, symbolising the blood of the Martyrs, and yellow, the church’s colour for light. A large display bearing the words “LUGAZI DIOCESE” has been placed near the open-air altar.

The road from Kyaliwajala to Namugongo today. The police put the boundaries for foot pilgrims and where the cars will pass. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)

Four entrances have been set up at the Catholic Shrine, including one for VIPs, to facilitate access for the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend.