The then Kabaka, Mwanga ordered the killing of all Christians from Buganda who refused to follow his instructions of un divided loyalty. Most of them chose their faith to obeying him unconditionally. Within three days, i.e. between May 31st and June 3rd 1886, forty five of them were killed, either by beheading, castration or burning alive.
Christians from all over the region and the world converge every year at the Namugongo shrines for a special mass. It has become an event like no other. Catholics travel from all directions thousands of them on foot to attend the day long commemorative special mass outside Namugongo shrines. The human traffic has been increasing every year, to become one of the most popular pilgrimages in Africa.
In fact it has become one of the most popular sources of regional tourism. The accommodation facilities around Namugongo are stretched to the limit, during the period with another big number of people camping outside the church for a whole week prior to the event. Business men especially food vendors converge here every year to provide for the many visitors.
Thousands of people from all over East and central Africa converge here some one week before the actual day. In an interesting show of solidarity, parishes along the designated routes for trekking pilgrims, remain open for people wishing to spend the night in their compounds. They are crucial mark points as stop overs and as refreshing points.
Among the slain martyrs on June 3rd was Kalolo Lwanga. They were tied to trees and using dry banana leaves, in full watch of their kin and community and the young men were burnt arrive. This act propelled the church to having many more followers converting Uganda into one of the most religious countries in Africa.
In the recent years, martyrs day has taken an international dimension, with pilgrims coming from as far as Europe. Namugongo has also become a regional Mecca of sorts with all Catholics from the region, making a point of visiting the shrine at least once.
The Ugandan government on the hand has been extremely supportive of pilgrims. Visitors who come as pilgrims are given concessionary treatment, with an almost blanket exemption of travel document scrutiny at the border. The area around the shrine has seen a lot of improvement in infrastructure, with lighting and roads upgraded recently.
Although it is not advertised, the pilgrims have been rising in number every year, and the Ugandan government must have noticed the economic implication of the influx. The support it gives the pilgrims has the potential of boosting regional religious tourism to levels witnessed every year in Meccah.
James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For More Information Visit his site at Namugongo MartyrsI Will Also Appreciate Your Comments Kenya Travel On My Blog HereNamugongo Martyrs
