Lugazi pilgrims trek captured in 35 stunning pictures

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(This coverage has been sponsored by Equity Bank Uganda)

After a laborious walk of about 40 kilometres from Lugazi in Buikwe district to Namugongo in Wakiso district ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebration, Lugazi Catholic Diocese foot pilgrims made a triumphant entry into Namugongo.

In the final meters to Namugongo, they were joined by their bishop, Christopher Kakooza, who held the cross while they made their way into the Catholic Shrine amidst ululations, loud cheers and songs of praise.

It was a moment of ecstasy. Nearby pilgrims, even those who were peacefully resting on their mats on the well-paved ground, rose and joined in the cheering; the main celebrants had finally arrived.

Lugazi pilgrims 40km trek to Namugongo

Walking over 40 kilometres in one day is no small accomplishment, yet the Lugazi pilgrims managed to achieve it with both energy and a bit of entertainment. Let me tell you how they did it.

By 4:00 am on Sunday morning, the pilgrims were eager to begin their journey. A few impatient individuals had already set off on the road. However, at around 4:30 am, the pilgrimage officially started when the cathedral administrator, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Kibowa, flagged off the group from Mary Queen of Peace Cathedral.

With excitement in the air, some pilgrims chose a fast pace, while others opted for a slow but steady approach. Just a few kilometres into the walk, the pilgrims began to scatter into groups, with some ahead and others lagging behind. They wound their way along the Jinja-Kampala Road.

By 7:30 am, reports indicated that the first groups of pilgrims had already reached Mbalala town, which is approximately 18 kilometres from Lugazi—no mean feat. These pilgrims were also joined by others who had been walking for several days from Kenya.

They started their journey in the darkness and chill of early morning, but now the day was warming, with the sun rising behind them.

By 8:30 am, they had arrived in Mukono. There, they took a detour to St. Paul Catholic Church to rest, refresh themselves, and receive first aid for anyone who was hurting.

After a few minutes of resting, they hit the road again, this time, walking up to Sonde, where they would converge – all foot pilgrims from Lugazi – before they embark on the final stretch to Namugongo.

From Mukono to Sonde, the pilgrims covered about 10 kilometres before being welcomed by a team of faithful from the diocese, who had prepared a meal and refreshments for them. Every group that arrived at this point was directed to enjoy a meal, drink, and rest before the final stretch of their journey.

As small scattered groups began to arrive in Sonde, they were greeted with lines of food. The pilgrims were served rice, matooke, and meat, along with a bottle of water or soda. A quick check of the time revealed it was already 1:00 pm.

The number of pilgrims continued to grow as more and more arrived. The police had been deployed in the area to ensure the safety of everyone participating in the pilgrimage.

A few minutes after 2:00 PM, the entire group, which had transformed into a massive crowd, was eager to proceed. Organised in lines, the pilgrims embarked on the final few kilometres to Namugongo. The distance from Sonde to Namugongo is approximately 8 kilometres.

The pilgrims were escorted by security personnel from both the UPDF and the Police. Traffic had to come to a halt as the pilgrims occupied the entire road. The large crowds began to overwhelm the security personnel, who struggled to manage those trying to surge ahead. It was a difficult battle, and eventually, some pilgrims broke free and pressed on.

With every step they took, their excitement grew. They sang, chanted, and cheered as they got closer to their destination. Their passion drew the attention of bystanders, who rushed to the roadside, eager to capture photos of the vibrant procession.

Bishop Kakooza joins pilgrims

 As the pilgrims approached the Namugongo Catholic Basilica, they were joined by their bishop, who took the cross and led them in the final moments before entering the Catholic Shrine.

Bishop Kakooza's presence re-energised the faithful; they began to sing louder and walk faster in excitement. Some chanted the bishop’s name as they neared the entrance, guided by security personnel throughout the way.

At approximately 3:20 PM, the pilgrims officially entered the Catholic Shrine amidst cheers, songs, shouts, and dancing. Those who had already arrived inside rushed back to join in the celebration, creating a wonderful scene to behold.

The Lugazi Pilgrims had successfully walked over 40 kilometres to reach Namugongo ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.

This year, the Lugazi Diocese is hosting the Catholic celebrations at Namugongo. The theme for the 2025 celebration is inspired by the diocesan vision: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again” (Mark 10:51).