NAMUGONGO.
Joint security agencies have beeped up security at both Catholic shrine and Anglican site at Namugongo ahead of the annual Martyrs Day celebrations .
The celebrations which attract pilgrims from Uganda and East African countries fall on June 3.
Hundreds of thousands pilgrims walking from various corners of Uganda continue to pour into the shrines ahead of the D-Day .
Those arriving at Namugongo are thoroughly checked and reminded to watch closely of their property as enter the site.
According to Mr Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, security for all pilgrims is beefed up starting at the borders points ,along the highways to ensure their safety as they enter Namugongo .
“We are in control and warn those who have plans to cause confusion at Namugongo .
Those still trekking The security of this occasion is not about the specific area of Namugongo, but it starts with several activities because people start trekking from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and others coming from Rwanda and Burundi, they should know that their security is guaranteed ,’’ Mr Rusoke said
At the Anglican site, Rt Rev Godfrey Luwum, the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda and the chairperson for the celebrations in the Northern cluster, said they are working closely with the government to guarantee the security of the pilgrims and faithful.
“We thank the government for giving us security for both the police and the army for the safety of the people,’’ he said.
Rev Fr Vincent Lubega, the Namugongo Catholic Parish priest, lauded the government for providing security in and around Namugongo.
“We are having strict checks at the entrance so when you arrive, we check the car, and you go through the scanner as well as your bag. All around the compound, the security forces have already taken action at the whole place,” Fr Lubega said
Fr Julius Etenu, from Lango Diocese who arrived as the first pilgrim from upcountry, said Christians moved him to trek to the Anglican Martyrs Site.
“I thank God who protected me as I walked for five days from my diocese to Namugongo, I pray the Holy Martyrs help me find a wife,’’ Mr Etenu said .