Uganda is not only known as the Pearl of Africa but also known for the religious pilgrimage to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
This year’s celebration will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2022.
And annually, around this time, businesses in Namugongo boom as Christians from all walks of life gather for the prayer session and celebrations dedicated to honoring the Catholic and Anglican converts who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887 at the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.
This historical day sees the biggest gathering in the country.
However, the pilgrimage to Namugongo means much more to the locals than just remembering the martyrs. The celebration has a series of events.
The event has moved from an emotional faith and religious ceremony to also including mysterious activities.
In terms of our everyday lives, the celebration is a source of income for the locals. Ugandans who love business have used the event as an avenue to make more money as they sell all sorts of products to the pilgrims.
The list of the sold items is dominated by beverages, soft drinks, pork, and other eatables because business people are assured of the ready market at quite higher prices.
The Namugongo celebration is partly famous for pork as the delicacy is the main type of meat consumed.
WARNING:
Even though the 3rd of June of every year is a prayer day, people are reminded to be careful with their lives and properties.
It’s known that there are some wicked people, especially pickpockets, who join the congregation. People are also reminded to mind the person they trust with their belongings and share confidential information with them.
However, people are also assured of peace and order during this event. The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), together with the Uganda Police, have deployed army men and police to ensure the safety of people and their properties.
In general, come be part of the Uganda Martyrs Day this Friday; pray, confess, testify, get delivered, and celebrate the lives of Christian converts who sacrificed to die for the word of God to spread and reach many people in all parts of the world. Uganda Martyrs’ Day is indeed a day to celebrate.