Pilgrims flock Namugongo

Jun 01, 2005

Pilgrims from all walks of life have began pouring at the namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine in Wakiso district.

By Josephine Maseruka and Catherine Ntabadde

Pilgrims from all walks of life have began pouring at the namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine in Wakiso district.

By 2:00pm yesterday, most of the pilgrims were praying and praising during the seven-day Uganda Episcopal conference at the shrine.

The Namugongo organising committee has instructed the 700 policemen on guard to arrest anyone with alcoholic beverages within the shrine’s premises.

A few people have paid up for stalls within the shrine compound to sell food and soft drinks.

The Namugongo parish priest, Fr. Charles Kato, appealed to pilgrims to be peaceful and law abiding, especially when “we are hosting many foreign dignitaries from AMECEA.”

Groups of pilgrims from Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, eastern and northern Uganda had by yesterday arrived at the shrine for the event.

Kenyan pilgrims have dominated the brisk business at the shrine, selling T-shirts, portraits of Pope Benedict XVI, handkerchiefs and handicraft.

The Catholic Diocese of Kasese will lead this year’s liturgical celebration expected to be attended by President Yoweri Museveni.

Bishop Igidio Ngayinabo of Kasese will lead the mass to be attended by 150 bishops.

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