The faithful at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Parish in Namaliga, Bombo, were overwhelmed with emotions when pilgrims from Nebbi Catholic Diocese arrived at their church. This joyous scene unfolded as local Christians exited their morning mass, only to spot the arriving pilgrims and break into cheers, dances, and ululations. The atmosphere was filled with uncontainable joy, and the church brass band added to the celebration, making it a memorable event.
The local Christians were deeply moved, expressing their gratitude and viewing the pilgrims’ choice of their church as a blessing. After prayers and welcoming remarks from the parish management, the pilgrims were led by the band to Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre, where they would spend the night. The welfare team, which arrived ahead of the pilgrims, had prepared tea and was already working on their supper.
The Nebbi pilgrims started their journey at 6:30 am from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wobulenzi Municipality, covering about 20 kilometers in seven hours. By car, the same distance would take approximately 25 minutes. Accompanied by Uganda People’s Defence Forces soldiers, who ensured their safety, the pilgrims faced the challenging hilly roads, which tested their endurance and resolve.
Among the pilgrims was Eric Mungu Jaber, who has a disability. He described the journey as a test of determination, often relying on his colleagues’ help to navigate the steep inclines. Despite these challenges, the pilgrims showed remarkable resilience, with some even dancing and singing as they walked.
Nurse Carol Apio reported an increase in medical issues such as muscle cramps and blisters, a sign that the pilgrims were running on empty after covering over 250 kilometers since starting their journey from Nebbi district. Despite these difficulties, their spirits remained high, with some pilgrims still able to sing and dance along the way.
As the pilgrimage continued, their numbers grew. Initially flagged off with about 520 pilgrims, the group had increased to approximately 600 by the time they reached Wobulenzi. This increase included locals and even a vendor who joined the trek for a short distance, demonstrating the communal spirit of the journey.
Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro joined over 500 pilgrims from Nebbi diocese as they trekked to Namugongo in Wakiso District for the Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3. A photo captured in Bombo, Luwero, marked this significant moment.
The pilgrims’ journey is set to conclude at Namugongo Catholic Shrine in Wakiso district, where they expect to arrive on Wednesday, May 29. Before reaching Namugongo, they will rest in Matugga on Monday night and proceed to Naguru, a suburb of Kampala, on Tuesday. Their arrival at Namugongo will mark the end of their long and exhausting journey, just in time for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3.
Wow its great that even honorable Nyamutoro reached in our town bombo,Am vianney the grandson of the current catechist from Namaliga parish bombo.