Rwanda: Hundreds of Rwandan Pilgrims Join Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations in Namugongo

Hundreds of Rwandan pilgrims are in Uganda for Martyrs Day. This annual celebration occurs on June 3 at the Catholic Shrine of Namugongo in Kampala.

The event is one of Africa's largest Christian pilgrimages. Millions attend to honor 45 Ugandan martyrs killed between 1885 and 1887. These martyrs, 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, were executed by Kabaka Mwanga II for refusing to renounce their faith.

June 3 is a public holiday in Uganda. Thousands start their pilgrimage on foot, camping at the shrine days before the main event.

This year, over 200 Rwandan pilgrims have traveled to Uganda. Father Vedaste Kayisabe, Secretary General of the Council of Catholic Bishops in Rwanda, confirmed this number.

He noted that many pilgrims come from the Archdiocese of Kigali and other dioceses like Nyundo and Ruhengeri. The group includes eight bishops from Rwanda.

Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, is part of the delegation. He led a mass on June 2 at Munyonyo Basilica Minor, where Saint Andrew Kaggwa was executed.

"We remembered the martyrs during our mass," Fr. Kayisabe said. "Tomorrow we will join thousands at Namugongo for the main celebration."

Many pilgrims left Rwanda days earlier to prepare for the journey. Some traveled by bus while others flew to Uganda.

Arriving early allowed them time to rest before starting their pilgrimage activities. Some have camped at the shrine for over a week.

The trip was organized by Christians from Saint Charles Lwanga Nyamirambo Parish in Kigali. This parish has coordinated the annual pilgrimage for years.

Fr. Kayisabe explained that participants pay for transport and meals, costing around $100 each.

For Rwandan Catholics, this pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance. It is a time to reflect on faith, courage, and sacrifice.

Rwandans feel a strong connection to this site because of shared missionary history with Uganda. The White Fathers who evangelized Uganda also came to Rwanda.

Bishop John Joseph Hirth worked in both regions and became Rwanda's first bishop of Kabgayi. His body rests at Kabgayi Cathedral.

This shared heritage motivates Rwandans to participate in the pilgrimage each year.

"The commitment of the Uganda Martyrs inspires us," Fr. Kayisabe stated. "They accepted death for their faith."

When Rwandans visit Namugongo, they meditate on this strength and find spiritual renewal through it.

The Catholic Shrine of Namugongo is central to June 3 commemorations. Pilgrims often begin their journey at sites linked to the martyrs' final days, including Munyonyo where they were imprisoned before execution.