Namugongo Pilgrimage preparations in high gear

By Titus Kakembo                                                        

Efforts to refurbish the Uganda Martyrs' pilgrimage trail in preparation for Pope Francis' visit, which is estimated to cost sh5b, have kicked off with sh2.5m raised by St. Mary’s College Kisubi and Namugongo Martyrs' Secondary School.

“There are very significant spots in the martyrs' trail but many of them are sandwiched between developed plots of individual owners,” lamented Father Joseph Muwonge. “Some have springs with sparkling healing water,” he added.

During a tour of some of the sites in Munyonyo, Kisenyi and Old Kampala last Sunday, Father Muwonge revealed that monuments being constructed on miniature plots that have been salvaged from developers or slum dwellers.

This monument in Salaama marks the spot where one of the 22 Uganda Catholic martyrs, Ponsiano Ngondwe was murdered. It is one of several monuments being erected along the Uganda Matryrs' pilgrimage trail. PHOTO/Titus Kakembo

“We are determined to make the Namugongo pilgrimage very memorable to the pilgrims,” said Fr. Muwonge who doubles as a tour guide.

“Besides the monuments we shall have statues of each martyr constructed in Namugongo.”

“In the Catholic faith we have patrons for traders, artists, doctors and engineers,” added Fr. Muwonge. “We need a constant reminder of where we have been to plot where we are going.”

Buganda Kingdom tourism minister Florence Nakiwala urged Christians to emulate the martyrs if the country is to improve socially, economically and religiously.

“You can imagine what a better world it would be if we all lived by the Biblical Ten Commandments. We are beginning to popularize the trail among youth before embarking on legislators, traders and artists.”

Uganda Tourist Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer, Steven Asimwe, offered that the holy water should be bottled as is the case in Israel.

“Besides rosaries, t shirts and foot wear – there are lots of untapped opportunities along the trail,” said Asimwe.

“There is need for guides, videos and literature about the first African martyrs.”

He is of the view that the pilgrimage ought to take place all year round not just June 3.

Martyrs' names have are globally used by believers such as Gonzaga and Mulumba. Uganda Martyrs' Churches have been built in Italy and Nigeria. 

Asimwe says the pilgrimage can be crowned by a safari to one of the national parks, gorilla tracking, mountain climbing or bird watching.

“The list of registered credible tour guides is at our headquarters," said Asimwe.

“There are other destinations of religious importance like Bishop Hannington’s monument in Busoga where he was battered to death by Chief Lubas’ security men.”