About 230 pilgrims from Kabale Diocese have started a ten-day spiritual journey to Namugongo Shrine ahead of Uganda Martyrs Day, commemorated annually on June 3.
The pilgrims, drawn from the districts of Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, and Rukiga all under Kabale Diocese reported to the diocesan headquarters on Tuesday evening. They attended a Holy Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
The group was officially flagged off early Wednesday morning at 4:00 a.m. by Rev. Fr. Bruno Byomuhangi, Director of the Lay Apostolate Commission in Kabale Diocese. Rev. Fr. Byomuhangi encouraged the pilgrims to embark on the journey with faith, courage, and bravery, urging them to reflect on the lives of the Uganda Martyrs and live out their own faith with conviction and perseverance.
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Alphonse Biraho, Chairperson of the Uganda Martyrs Association in Kabale Diocese, noted that the pilgrims are expected to arrive at Namugongo on May 31. He urged them to observe traffic rules, maintain discipline, and work as a team throughout the journey. Biraho also encouraged them to remain hopeful and prayerful in pursuit of their personal and spiritual goals.
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Among the pilgrims is Cynthia Tushabomwe, a 20-year-old Senior Six student at St. Agatha Girls’ School in Kakore, Rubanda District. She said this is her first pilgrimage, and she is praying for success in her studies, as well as peace for her family and the country. Raulent Nsengimana, 62, a seasoned pilgrim who has participated in the Kabale Diocese pilgrimage since 2011, shared that he is praying for Church leaders and peace within his family and across Uganda.
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The Uganda Martyrs, who are honored during the pilgrimage, were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II for their conversion to Christianity.
