NAMUGONGO.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims continue to pour into Namugongo shrines to take part in this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations .
The celebration held every June 3, commemorates the 45 young Christian coverts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Ssekabaka Mwanga II of Buganda .
Both shrines –Catholic and Protestant are nearly filled to capacity.
Pilgrims are clad in different diocesan uniforms, rosaries around their necks and hymn books in hand, could be seen engaging in prayer, praise, and meditation.
Others are fetching holy water believed to possess healing powers, while some are taking shelter under the trees after the long journey on foot. The main Mass is expected to commence at 10am at the Catholic Shrines and almost the same time at the Protestant Shrine .
Bishop Christopher Kakooza from Lugazi Diocese will be the main celebrant, with dozens of priests and dignitaries in attendance.
“All is set for the mass. We have rehearsed, we have prayed, and we are ready to lead a spiritually rich and memorable celebration,” said Father Muggaga Kakeeto, the spokesperson for the Lugazi Diocese organising committee. Choir groups are already set to entertain the pilgrims and invited dignitaries including President Museveni , Security intensified
Security has also been intensified. In and around the shrine, hundreds of uniformed and plain-clothed officers from different police units are seen everywhere managing crowds and avert any potential threats.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the security of all people are Namugongo is guaranteed .
“We ask all pilgrims to be cooperative . that is the only way we will guarantee this safety,” he said.
Mr Onyango also revealed that 24 people have so far arrested as a preventive measure, suspected of being pickpockets and phone snatchers.
“These were people we suspect had ill intentions, and we picked them up before they could cause harm to innocent pilgrims,” he noted.