On 3rd June annually Christians converge at Namugongo to be part of worship in commemoration of the 45 martyrs who were killed by Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda late in the 19th century. They included 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans.
Many pilgrims move on foot from different parts of the country and from some neighboring countries as part of their submission to God.
As the event nears, Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale of West Buganda Diocese has urged people intending to walk to Namugungo to first undergo medical tests.
“First check your health before you embark on moving. We want you alive. Here we shall establish tents that will be providing medication but before you set off seek medical advice,” he counselled.
He was addressing journalists at the Anglican shrine in Namugongo this week.
This year’s celebrations have been organized by a consortium of five dioceses. These include West Buganda, Central Buganda, Mityana, Luweero and Mukono. The Guest Preacher is Reverend Johnson Olesa Piti, the Arch Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is derived from Mathew 10:28:
“And fear not them which kill the body and are not able to kill the soul but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body”.
A fundraising dinner to mobilize more money for the event takes place Saturday May 18 at 5:00PM at Jevine Hotel in Ndeeba.
