Business booming at Namugongo ahead of Martyrs Day

As thousands of pilgrims continue to trek Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo for Martyrs Day celebrations this Friday, different businesses have been set up within the shrine premises and surrounding areas.

The businesses range from restaurants,  clothing stalls, jewelry, soft drinks and jerrycans to pilgrims that want to fetch water from the lake at the shrine to take back home.

Meanwhile outside the shrine, places like roasted meat joints, bars and restaurants are all over the place.

Rogers Mulindwa who is dealing in batics said he has been at Namugongo since Sunday. Business has been slow but starting picking up on Tuesday because pilgrims have increased.

"Am now making sh150,000 a day as profit but I believe that by Thursday, I will be making sh500,000 a day. I was lucky to get a place inside the premises to put my business. Security is very good and I can sell my products without worrying about thieves," he said.

Timothy Mukasa said he has been selling jerry cans at Namugongo since 2008 and it is one of the booming businesses. This is because many pilgrims buy them to take water from the lake back home after the celebrations.

A five liter jerrycan costs sh2000, a ten litre goes for sh3000, the smallest size costs sh500 while the 20 litre jerrycan costs sh5000.

Patience Ainomugisha, a restaurant owner said though business is picking up, there are many restaurants in one area and this is going to bring a lot of competition.

On the other hand, Fr. Joseph Mukasa Muwonge, director of the Uganda Martyrs Guild, has warned any people that intend to go to Namugongo to disrupt peace that they face arrest.