Namugongo-Over 12,000 foot pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Tororo on Thursday May 31 arrived at Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine ahead of the annual Martyr’s Day celebrations on Sunday.
The pilgrims who have been walking for the last five days were received by the Archbishop of Tororo Emmanuel Obbo, who praised their faith and commitment.
Flanked by Namugongo Shrine Rector Fr. Vincent Lubega, Archbishop Obbo while commending the Pilgrims said: “We thank God that you have arrived here without any incident. We thank God for the generosity of all those who have helped you on your way here,” the Archbishop said
June 3 that is annually celebrated at Namugongo in memory of the 23 Anglican and 22 catholic converts to Christianity who were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.
This year’s celebrations will mark 100 years since the martyrdom of Daudi Okello and JildoIrwa, the two young catechists that were killed at Paimol, Agago district in 1918
The days’ celebration will be led by Tororo Archdiocese, that last presided over the occasion in 1998.
Christians from different districts across the country, such as Lira, Kabale, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Bushenyi among others, have already embarked on the trekking pilgrimage to Namugongo.
This week Kampala Metropolitan Police commander CP Kafeero Moses assured the Nation that technology would be important during the celebrations of Martyr’s day.
“What we view from the air resume, critically analyze and observe then we link with our ICG who will tell the patrollers or hooters, motor riders and then simply pick that person”.
CP Kafeero added that uniformed police officers, army as well as plain clothed police personel have been deployed to man security.
“We have our own troops and we are working with sister agencies we are well coordinated, secure in the routes and in the parking as we have a stand by force and have secured toll free numbers so that people can call in case of any emergency.
Kafeero concluded by encouraging parents not to leave their children unattended.
