West Nile pilgrims undergo medical checks before Namugongo trek

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Over 50 pilgrims from Madi-West Nile Diocese have undergone a medical check-up before embarking on the 450.7 km journey starting on Friday.

This is to assess their overall health and to identify any underlying conditions that might require medication or adjustments to the journey.

The wellness checks follow the police's recommendation of a mandatory medical check for all pilgrims before the pilgrimage.

The Ag. Diocesan health coordinator Esther Longo says that a medical check will help to ascertain whether a person will endure the conditions on the road and be able to walk long distances.

The diocesan Ag. health coordinator, Esther Longo, during an interview. (Photo by Prossy Nankanja)

“We are taking their blood pressure, looking at their previous health history to rule out any underlying conditions which we need to take note of and assess that they are fit for the journey on Friday,” Longo said.

While briefing the pilgrims at diocesan headquarters, the officer from the Red Cross Society, Anaclet Kamushabe, requested the pilgrims to be open about their health to ascertain whether a person will endure the conditions on the road and be able to walk long distances.

“This journey is long, and some of you might have underlying conditions. Please share your medical document so that we can advise accordingly,” Kamushabe advised.

He further informed the team that their health services are being catered for throughout the journey.

“I want to assure you that all your health services are ready because the Red Cross has prepared everything for you, and we are working hand in hand with different partners to make sure that you are safe to Namugongo,” he added.

The Diocesan Secretary briefing the pilgrims at the diocesan headquarters. (Photo by Prossy Nankanja)

Meanwhile, the Diocesan coordinator for family life, Rev. Cpt. Hellen Munduru, encourages the pilgrims to dedicate themselves to God and ensure that they seek consent from their families for the blessed journey.

“For this long journey, you need to entrust in God by dedicating your life to him and please make sure that your families have waved you off in peace and love because family need consent so that you have a successful walk,” Munduru urges.

A 78-year-old Titus Sam Apangu from Ombo Parish confirms his readiness to trek the 450.7 km journey in fulfilment of his promise he made to God last year.

“I am ready to foot, though I have got eye problems, I want to go to Namugongo because it was a promise I made to God last year, and I am here to fulfil it,” Apangu said.

Another 60-year-old, Florence Enjaru, from Adarafu parish, shares that a pilgrim journey is necessary for her because it will deepen her faith and experience spiritual growth.

“By the will of God, I will foot because this is a memorable journey, we always go to Namugogo by vehicles, but this year I am ready to walk, I have prepared my footwear, clothes and my mat,” Enjaru assured.

This year’s celebration will be animated by the Northern region that comprises 6 dioceses of Nebbi, Madi-West Nile, Lango, Lango West, Kitigum and Northern.