Thousands flock to Namugongo for Martyrs day celebrations
What you need to know:
- Reverend Canon Benon Byarugaba, chairman liturgy and choirs for the Martyrs Day celebrations says that this year, the moblisation and publicity was done on a massive scale which explains the massive projections.
WAKISO. At least 700,000 people are expected to attend the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations today at the Anglican shrine Namugongo.
That number is 3500% higher than last year's numbers which stood at 20,000 according to officials on the organising committee.
The President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief celebrant in a worship service that is slated to take place between 10am and 2pm.
Reverend Canon Benon Byarugaba, chairman liturgy and choirs for the Martyrs Day celebrations says that this year, the moblisation and publicity was done on a massive scale which explains the massive projections.
"This year we introduced the practice of merging several dioceses to spearhead the preparations and organising the celebration. On top of this, the mobilization was countrywide, and the publicity was done on a scale never done before," Reverend Byarugaba said.
As early as 3am, every nook and corner on the grounds was filled with pilgrims at Namugongo to honor the Uganda Martyrs. The tens of thousands of people started scrambling for seats as early as 4am.
This year's Anglican celebrations were organised by the four dioceses of greater Kigezi, namely, Muhabura, Kinkizi, Kigezi and North Kigezi.
Road plan for those going to Namugongo
Roads have been blocked as far as Kireka, for those coming from Bweyogerere side. Those from Ntinda, the road has been blocked from Naalya round about.
People in this case, are supposed to walk for a distance. They will at will take Pioneer busses which have been strategically stationed at Shs1000 to Kyaliwajala, disembark and slope to the shrine where no car or boda boda is granted access.
A sudden shoot in the prices from Town (old taxi park) in Kampala has been realised.
Some of the pilgrims who also ply the Namugongo route that we have talked to have intimated that, "according to your bargaining power, you could spend between Shs4,000 to Shs5,000 from town to Namugongo."
Mr Robert Kazigo, a taxi driver who says he has committed himself to this route explained and said the raise in the fare is to cater for the, "high stringent traffic rules which could catch up with you anytime. The role of demand and supply is also crucial, " Mr Kazigo said.
He however was quick to point out some of taxi operators who could be taking an opportunity of the situation to exploit some of the pilgrims who might not be familiar with Kampala route.
