Ngora welcomes 122 Kaberamaido pilgrims after three-day trek
“I want to thank you, the pilgrims. What you have done—to walk this long distance—is not for nothing. It has shown some of us how we are supposed to be when it comes to faith,” Achom said.
Pilgrims from Kaberamaido while arriving at Ngora main church. (Photo by Michael Onyinge)
Michael Onyinge
Journalist @New Vision
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After a three-day journey, 122 pilgrims from Kaberamaido have finally reached their destination in Ngora.
The group arrived Sunday, March 16, having spent two nights on the way. Upon reaching Ngora town, they were warmly welcomed by local resident Grace Achom, who offered them water as a gesture of appreciation for their faith and dedication.
“I want to thank you, the pilgrims. What you have done—to walk this long distance—is not for nothing. It has shown some of us how we are supposed to be when it comes to faith,” Achom said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr Denis Asima of Ngora Catholic Parish commended the pilgrims, saying they had made the right decision to embark on the spiritual journey.
A three-day crusade is set to begin this evening, culminating in a ceremony on Wednesday led by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Joseph Eciru Oliach.
Pilgrims grateful for safe arrival
Betty Angobu, the chairperson of the pilgrimage, expressed her gratitude for the team's safe arrival.
Asked about challenges encountered along the way, she acknowledged that they faced some difficulties, but attributed their perseverance to God’s guidance.
The journey began on Friday, March 14, 2025, when the pilgrims left Kaberamaido and spent the night in Soroti.
On Saturday, March 15, they proceeded to Kyere in Ngora district, where they rested for the night. From Kyere, they set off on Sunday morning and finally reached Ngora, their much-anticipated destination.
Pilgrims share their Ngora experience
Joseph Obate, one of the pilgrims, said he was impressed by Ngora’s historical significance, describing it as a fitting location for the birthplace of Christianity in the Teso sub-region.
“I have seen the church, and it still looks like it is in its original form,” he said.
He further urged young people to seek God before it is too late.
Kelementina Kongai, another pilgrim, expressed her excitement at seeing the place where the Catholic Church started in the region.
“I have been able to visit a place I previously knew nothing about. No one should deceive me otherwise—I have seen it with my own eyes,” Kongai said.
Christine Atero, the only female catechist in the group from St Joseph Agule Chapel in Kaberamaido, described the pilgrimage as a benchmark for other catechists, proving that walking long distances for faith is possible.
“I want to encourage all fellow catechists to know that it is possible to walk. We have made it, and anyone else can do the same,” Atero said.
Many of the pilgrims expressed joy at arriving at a place they had never seen before. Their journey followed the original route taken by missionaries when they first brought Christianity to Teso.
Although they could have traveled through Awoja main bridge and Kapir from Soroti, they chose to stick to the historical path of the missionaries.
For some, reaching Ngora was a personal victory.
“As I came, I put the journey in the hands of God. I did not know how far the place was, but I decided to try and see if I could make it. I am happy that I have reached Ngora,” said Sandra Namwamje, one of the pilgrims.