Earlier today, a total of 720 foot pilgrims were flagged off from Our Lady of Fatima Mubende Parish to join hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for Martyrs Day in Namugongo.
Before setting off, they received blessings during a Mass led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Batakanwa, who prayed for their safety throughout the journey.
"Lord, we pray that your children who have gathered here for their journey to Namugongo be protected throughout the journey," prayed Fr. Batakanwa.
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Frank Mpewo, the pilgrims' guide, said they expect to spend four days on the way to Namugongo.
"We are going to join our fellow pilgrims from Ssenkulu Parish in Kiteenga, Buwekula South, together with those from Kassambya, Lusalira, Katente, and Madudu. So, we are expecting a total of more than 1,000 pilgrims," said Mpewo.
Among the pilgrims is Joseph Sserugo, aged 80, who praised the Almighty for enabling him to walk safely to Namugongo.
"This is my eighth time walking to Namugongo, and I still have many more years to go," said Sserugo.
Besides Sserugo, Costa Nakate, aged 65, also testified about the importance of Namugongo, saying she will always praise the Lord.
"I lost my child and was left with grandchildren. But when I went to Namugongo and touched the place where the pilgrims pray, my grandchild graduated," said Nakate.
Nakate added that this is her 11th pilgrimage to Namugongo.
"I always enjoy the journey to Namugongo, and I have benefited a lot," she added.
Eight-year-old Allen Nagawa also joined the pilgrims. Speaking to the Nile Post, Nagawa said that last year she went to Namugongo to pray for knowledge, and now she is returning to give thanks.
"This is my second time going to Namugongo. Last year, I prayed for knowledge, and I eventually received it. Now I'm going back to thank God for what I received," said Nagawa.
Joshua Lutembesa from Ssenkulu Parish said many of his fellow pilgrims are going to Namugongo to seek the intercession of the martyrs for success in the upcoming elections.
"We are over 140 people, and we all want the martyrs to help our favorite aspirant, MP Buwekula South, Dedan Mubangizi, to win the elections -- both the NRM primaries and the general elections," said Lutembesa.
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Mubende Resident District Commissioner Al-Hajji Umar Lule Mawiya gave guidance to the pilgrims before they set off, urging them to be vigilant along the way.
"Be mindful while walking, because many people use this opportunity to grab your belongings," said Mawiya.
