Pilgrims have been warned against drinking water drawn from the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine ahead of and before the Martyrs Day celebrations on 3rd June 2023.

The caution was given by Monsignor John Baptist Kauta, the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, who said that doctors have advised against drinking the water

Monsignor Kauta was speaking at a media briefing by Jinja Diocese, which is leading the preparations and will also animate the Martyrs Day celebrations.

It’s common for pilgrims from Uganda and other parts of the world to draw water from the well at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, especially during the Martyr’s Day celebrations. The faithful believe that the water can heal a number of ailments.
However, Monsignor John Baptist Kauta, the Secretary General of the conference of Catholic Bishops, the Uganda Episcopal Conference, has warned against drinking the water, saying that it could instead expose the faithful to water borne diseases.
He was addressing journalists alongside the Bishop of Jinja Diocese, Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika for an update on preparations for this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations under the theme, “Lord, Increase Our Faith.” Jinja Diocese will lead the celebrations and animate the mass.

A committee of seven people is overseeing the preparations led by their patron, the Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba who is the Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Two of the Uganda Martyrs, Matia Mulumba and Gonzaga Gonza, were born in Busoga. However, Bishop Wamika is concerned that these martyrs have not celebrated as much in the region, with no shrines dedicated to their names.

He hopes a special feature can be put up at Namugongo for such martyrs as Busoga Diocese takes charge of the celebrations
Monsignor Kauta revealed that they plan to stagger the Martyrs Day celebrations throughout the year so as to manage the huge numbers of pilgrims who don’t have to come to Namugongo on the same day, 3rd June.

Pilgrims from Tororo Archdiocese who will walk on foot to Namugongo, are expected to set off from Jinja on 29th May and arrive on 31st May ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations on 3rd June.

Ramson