More international pilgrims embrace this year’s celebration
Some of the international pilgrims who spoke to New Vision praised Uganda for being a warm and hospitable country, blessed with friendly people, delicious food, and a peaceful environment.
Some of the foreign pilgrims during Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at the Catholic shrine in Namugongo on 3rd June 2025. (Photos by Maria Wamala)
By John Musenze
Journalists @New Vision
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Among the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, both Anglican and Catholic, who gathered for this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations were a growing number of international visitors who continue to flock to Uganda each year for this deeply spiritual occasion.
Countries represented included Zambia, which had 62 pilgrims in attendance, as well as South Africa(13), Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Nigeria, and a few from Europe and Asia.
Some of the international pilgrims who spoke to New Vision praised Uganda for being a warm and hospitable country, blessed with friendly people, delicious food, and a peaceful environment.
Many said they had come with faith and hope for miracles and were united by their faith and drawn by the spiritual significance of the sacred site.
Clutching jerrycans of water drawn from the spring believed to possess spiritual power, the pilgrims spoke passionately about their experiences and the reasons they keep returning to Uganda for Martyrs Day.
“When we come here, some people along the road say to us, ‘Just take water from here; don’t bother going all the way to the shrine,’” said a pilgrim from Zambia. “But they don’t understand. If they knew what this water means to us, they would be here every morning. They would never leave.”
She explained that the water is taken back home and shared in small portions among family and friends. “Even a little is precious. People wait for this water—it holds meaning.”
Another female pilgrim added, “If you trust this place, even your business prospers.”
From South Africa, a delegation of 13 pilgrims represented various provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria, and Limpopo. Their group included priests, nuns, and lay faithful.
“We arrived last Saturday,” said Jeanette Lesisa, introducing her group. “We are here because of our deep devotion to the Uganda Martyrs.”
Among them was Father Zibonele Mubane, a priest from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), who was visiting the shrine for the first time.
“It is a special experience to walk in the footsteps of those who gave their lives for their faith,” he remarked.
Sister Amaka, another pilgrim from Nigeria, spoke of the spiritual strength she draws from Namugongo.
“This place is holy. When you step here, something shifts in your spirit.”
To these pilgrims, Namugongo is not just a historical site but a living source of inspiration, healing, and spiritual renewal.
“I’ve come twice now,” said Kamida Sivakaki, a Ugandan who travelled with the South African group. “And each time, I feel my faith deepen.”
Despite the long distances and logistical hurdles, the pilgrims said the journey was worth every effort.
“We share the water, we share the blessings, and we return home refreshed,” said Kamida. “It’s a sacrifice, but one that brings peace and joy to our lives.”
The presence of such international pilgrims underlines the global significance of Uganda Martyrs Day, and the enduring faith that connects believers across borders.
In his address, Hon. Martin Mugarra, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, lauded the growing importance of Uganda as a faith tourism destination.
“I thank the clergy for welcoming His Excellency and Maama Janet. I commend the organising committees for making this celebration a great success,” he said.
The minister noted that Martyrs Day now attracts pilgrims from across Africa and beyond, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, South Africa, Burundi, Europe, and parts of Asia.
“These pilgrims spend weeks in Uganda, contribute to our economy, and leave spiritually renewed,” he said.
He revealed that plans are underway to further develop Uganda’s religious shrines into internationally recognised tourist centres, enhancing their appeal and accessibility.
He also commended President Yoweri Museveni for his vision in signing the Museum and Monuments Act, which protects spiritual heritage sites such as Namugongo.
“Without your support, Your Excellency, this wouldn’t be possible. It is through your directives that these developments have taken shape,” Mugarra added.