At least 700 pilgrims from Fort Portal Catholic Diocese have set off to walk on foot, to cover a distance of over 300kms to the Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso District.    

The authorities in Fort Portal Diocese who saw off the pilgrim as they set off, say that this year, the Diocese has registered a substantial increment in the number of the faithful who have decided to take the pilgrimage to Namugongo from Fort Portal.

The Rev. Sister Moraah Euniah, the Communications Officer Fort Portal Diocese, a total of 700 pilgrims set off on 24th May 2023 from Bukwali Parish, ready to walk for over one week to cover over 300kms to Namugongo ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations on 03rd June 2023.

In 2022, over 500 pilgrims walked to Namugongo from The number of pilgrims that walked from Fort Portal Diocese but now there has been an increment of 200 more pilgrims taking the long walk o faith and renewal.

Fort Portal Diocese led the Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo on 03rd June 2022 while the 2023 celebrations will be led by Jinja Diocese.

According to the Rev. Sister Moraah, these pilgrims are expected to arrive in Namugongo after a few days.

Some of the pilgrims explained to us the reasons why they decided to take part in the pilgrimage.

I have walked praying to God to give me a gift of life and for me to get peace and money to pay for my school fees

We encountered a few challenges due to moving at night. They stopped us and told us to be walking during the day and use the nighttime for resting.

Jonan Tusingwire