Regional police commanders have been ordered to ensure the safety of all pilgrims trekking to Namugongo Martyrs’ shrines ahead of the June 3rd commemoration.
Police publicist, Fred Enanga revealed that these have been tasked to escort pilgrims and provide protection to them as they rest at churches, schools, and community centers.
According to Enanga, the Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola has also tasked the commanders to also ensure that movement under the cover of darkness at night and early morning is restricted and to also identify those who cannot endure the journey for medical attention.
Every 3rd June, believers across the globe make a pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyrs shrines at Namugongo to celebrate the Martyrs, a group of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts to Christianity who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.
Pilgrims come from as far as DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and world over trekking on foot to Namugongo to review their faith and renew themselves mentally and spiritually.
Police say so far, no incidents of crime have been registered against the groups that kicked off their journey.
Meanwhile, about 200 pilgrims from Kabale Diocese on Sunday started their journey to Namugongo Shrine ahead of June 3rd Uganda Martyrs Day.
The pilgrims from Kisoro, Rubanda and Kabale districts, all under Kabale diocese, reported to the diocesan headquarters on Saturday evening and had holy mass at St Mary’s Rushoroza Cathedral in Southern division of Kabale Municipality.
The pilgrims were flagged off on Sunday morning at 5:00am according to Fr Alphonse Biraho, the chairperson of Pilgrims in Kabale diocese.
Fr Biraho said that trekking to Namugongo shrine helps remind Christians of the suffering which the Uganda Martyrs went through.
He is optimistic that the pilgrims will use this year’s pilgrimage to pray for cooperation and togetherness for families and the society.
The Kabale District Police Commander, Abel Ruganza, asked the pilgrims to observe discipline and trek as a team to have a successful pilgrimage until they reach the Namugongo Shrine for the celebrations.
The Uganda Martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887 on orders of Kababa Mwanga II for converting to Christianity.
