On Wednesday, a group of 724 foot pilgrims from the Nebbi Catholic Diocese in northern Uganda began their long and tiring journey to Namugongo. They are making this pilgrimage ahead of Martyrs’ Day, which is celebrated every year on June 3 to honor Uganda’s first Christian martyrs. This event attracts thousands of pilgrims from both Uganda and other countries.
This year, the Diocese of Nebbi will lead the Catholic celebrations at Namugongo, a role they last played in 2007. The pilgrims started their journey from Namrwodu Catholic Parish in Nebbi municipality. They were officially sent off by Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, the Archbishop-elect of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Nebbi.
The group aims to reach the Namugongo Catholic shrine by May 28, six days before the main event. Alongside the pilgrims are some consecrated men and women from the Nebbi diocese who are supporting them on their spiritual journey.
Before embarking on this journey, the pilgrims participated in a spiritual retreat at Namrwodu Catholic Parish to prepare themselves. Fr Walter Wokorach, the diocesan youth chaplain of Nebbi district, mentioned that the pilgrims will hold masses at different stopover points on their way to Kampala.
The local community leaders are optimistic about the positive impact of this pilgrimage. Urombi Emmanuel, the LC5 chairman of Nebbi district, believes this journey will bring significant changes to the lives of the people in the Nebbi diocese. Meanwhile, Robert Abak, the resident district commissioner of Nebbi district, assured that security measures have been strengthened to ensure the pilgrims’ safe arrival at their destination.
Among the pilgrims, the youngest is Solomon Munguromu from Paidha Catholic Parish in Zombo district, and the oldest is 82-year-old Kashila Achibu from Pakwach Catholic Parish. Achibu hopes this pilgrimage will bring her healing, renewal, and deliverance, believing in God’s power to provide all things.
Other pilgrims have various intentions for their journey. Some are praying for peace, unity, tolerance, and love within their families. Others are asking for respect for human rights and dignity, as well as God’s help in overcoming the high cost of living.
The pilgrims are hopeful and determined, showing a strong sense of faith and community as they undertake this significant spiritual journey.
