Thousands throng Namugongo, security tight

By Vision Reporter

Thousands of pilgrims from across the globe Monday flocked Namugongo Martyrs Shrine to celebrate Martyrs Day.

At both the Catholic and the Anglican Shrines, prayers kicked off at 10 am.  

Security is tight and each pilgrim is subjected to a thorough check before going through metal detectors mounted all strategic entrance points.

45 Protestant and Catholic Martyrs were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886, after they refused to renounce their faith.

Security tight: Pilgrims line up to go through security details. Photo by Juliet Lukwago

Traffic flow on Namugongo Road from Shell-Kireka to Kyaliwajala and the shrine is one-way.

Pilgrims travelling along Jinja Road from the city centre to the Protestant shrine, access the Protestant Church through a diversion at Bweyogerere trading centre and park at a playground through Janda Road.

The general park at Namugongo Primary School playground is accessed from Kyaliwajala through Semambo Road. VIPs en-route to the Catholic Shrine park at Namugongo SS playground. VIPs going to the Protestant Church park at the church’s compound, while motorists from Kiira town council access the general park through Semambo Road.

Vehicles from Seeta and Bweyogerere trading centre park at an open ground between the Catholic and Protestant shrines through Bbira close.