Church gets Pilgrimage center at Nalukolongo

Although it is evidently the least known of all the historical places related to the Catholic Church in Uganda, Mapeera Nabunnya hosted great events that are crucial in understanding the religious and socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

Located at Plot 4, Stenseera Road, in the vicinity of Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga, Mapeera-Nabunnya mission station was founded by Fr. Lourdel Mapeera and Fr. Denoit Camille, in 1890. The two priests of the White Fathers Missionary Society died at this place, in one year and, were buried on the spot until 1901 when their remains were transferred to the cemetery behind Rubaga Cathedral.

According to the Very Rev. Fr. Richard Nnyombi of the Missionary Society of White Fathers, Nabunnya witnessed a tremendous increase in the Catholic population due to the fact that Kabaka Mwanga was by then following the Catholic faith although he had not been baptised. From this place, the missionaries started building on the top of the hill, which Mwanga had given them. The place was named after Nabunnya, one of the wives of Kabaka Mwanga, a Protestant baptised Esther, who resided in the area. The mission station was later transferred to the hilltop in stages, starting from June 1891.

In August 2015, the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, allocated Nabunnya to accommodate the offices of ‘Mapeera and Amans Beatification Committee (MABEC)'and 'Mapeera and Amans Beatification Promoters' Association (MAB-PRO).' He further expressed the wish to develop it into a pilgrimage centre.

Nalukolongo the place at Nabunnya near Rubaga where Fr .was initially burried

Activities at the Centre

Mapeera-Nabunnya Pilgrimage Centre provides all the information concerning the beatification of Mapeera and Amans. All the 'favours' and 'miracles' received through the intercession of the duo are reported to this office.

The office also organises pilgrimages ‘in the footsteps of Mapeera, Amans and the Uganda Martyrs.' The centre also has a library, which is stocked with books and souvenirs about the pioneer missionaries, the Uganda Martyrs and the history of the Catholic Church in Uganda.

The Centre further welcomes the faithful/pilgrims who want to come and pray around the small monument built at the spot where Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera was first buried, upon his death on May 12, 1890. Mapeera-Nabunnya Pilgrimage Centre was earmarked by Kampala Capital City Authority as one of the historical sites in Kampala.

Fr Chabanon and Fr Nyombi with christians during the memorial pilgrimage for Fr.Mapeera

Official Inaugration of the Centre

Mapeera-Nabunnya Pilgrimage Center was officially inaugurated by the Vicar General of Kampala, Msgr. Charles Kasibante, on the 20th December 2015. Kasibante said that Nabunnya held an important position in the history of the Catholic Church, which was why it was right and just to make it a pilgrimage centre.

"Nabunnya was at one time the centre of Catholicism in Uganda. Many missionaries stayed here and from here, they spread the gospel. Many Church functions were done here. People were taught religion and also baptised here. The second Cathedral was also build here. Fr. Mapeera, who first opened for us the door of God's mercy and kindness died here, on May 12, 1890. His body was first buried here, before it was taken to the chapel in the old cemetery, behind Rubaga Cathedral. Let us use this place to strengthen our faith. Let us use the facility to widen the kingdom of God, just like our ancestors in the faith, the pioneer missionaries. Let us also pray tirelessly for the beatification of Fr. Mapeera and Bro. Amans."

A Christian stands at the monument of Fr.Mapeera's initial burial place at Nabunnya,near Rubaga

Fr. Emmanuel Ddamba asked Christians to pray through the intercession of Fr. Mapeera and Bro. Amans and subsequently report all the miracles and favours they will receive to the center, because it will be upon them that the Vatican will make the decision to beatify the two missionaries. Ddamba later asked Christians to encourage their fellow parishioners to book for pilgrimages with the centre. He also encouraged parents and administrators of schools to arrange with the centre pilgrimages for their children.

The Director of the Centre, the Very Rev. Fr. Richard Nnyombi also expressed joy at the centre's inaugration: "The Mapeera and Amans Beatification Promoters team has been operating without an office. We are grateful to Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga for giving us this place.  But we are also happy for Bishop Christopher Kakooza, who prophesied way back in 2009 about the construction here of an adoration chapel, with people coming to worship God any time. The centre will be open from Monday to Saturday."