By Francis Jjunju
Hundreds of Pilgrims have today walked in the journey of faith following the footsteps of the Uganda martyrs from the Martyrs Shrine Munyonyo to Old Kampala Parish in remembrance the tough time the Uganda martyrs went through after being condemned to death by the late King Mwanga II because of faith.
Approximately a 30 Kilometer walk took them three hours starting at 10am to 1pm involving pupils, students, youth and adults.
The Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga flagged off the pilgrims with a reminder to Christians to love God, neighbour, family and the country if peace is to prevail.
The 1st Deputy Prime Minister General Moses Ali who represented Government underscored the strength of faith that it has discarded differences according to background, colour or ethnic background and united one another adding that the introduction of Inter-religious Council of Uganda is another umbrella body that has helped to coordinate faiths for a positive contribution.
General Ali castigated murder in the name of faith saying such teaching is wrong no faith glories murder challenging those doing it to stop.
The pilgrims starts at Munyonyo where two saints; St. Andrew Kaggwa and St. Denis Ssebugwawo were killed proceeded to Kyamula where St. Ponsiano Ngondwe was killed they never reached Owino Market where St. Joseph Mukasa Balikudembe and Atananse Bazekuketta were killed and ended at St. Matia Mulumba at Old Kampala Parish where st. Matia Mulumba was killed.
Addressing the pilgrims at the end of the walk the Bishop of Hoima Diocese Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo the ordinary of the animating diocese for this year’s 3rd June Uganda Martyrs’’ celebrations at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo acknowledged the spirit exhibited by the pilgrims encouraging them to stand firm in the faith they have been taught, Colossians 2:7
The deputy chief executive director of Uganda Tourism Board John Ssempebwa said they are working with government to publicise such religious sites for people to grow in faith and love their history not only Ugandans but also outsiders who fetch for this country a lot of foreign revenue.
Close to two million pilgrims are expected to attend this year’s martyrs’ day celebrations on 3rd June at the catholic shrine Namugongo an event that has cost 571 million shillings.
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