Morale high as Lira pilgrims enter Luweero
More than 320 pilgrims continue their long walk to Namugongo after a night’s rest in Luweero District yesterday. Photo by Bill Oketch
Luweero- “I feel like I’m in heaven now. I am really enjoying this journey,” fourteen-year-old Benard Okullo screamed yesterday.
Okullo, who is trekking to Namugongo for the second time, is part of the 320 pilgrims from Lira Diocese who entered Katugo in Luweero District in high spirits yesterday morning ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations next week.
The group, which left Lira Town a week ago, set off from Migeera for Katugo at around midnight. The energetic youth beat jerricans as the elderly pilgrims sang and danced to the tune of Yecu obedo commander na (loosely translated as Jesus is my commander) on the busy Gulu-Kampala highway.
The pilgrims attributed their high morale to the smooth road, which enables easy walking as well as good security and administration.
They also say singing during the trek, which is almost done, are inspirational.
They expect to reach Namugongo on Sunday.
“That is the cause for all this celebration right now,” 26-year-old Kizito Okello said, adding that he was inspired to go to Namugongo because he was told walking to the shrine is fun.
“Earlier, most pilgrims were not in the mood to sing but as we entered Katugo yesterday, people sang as they walked and residents were impressed. They also wanted to join us but they are not prepared to,” Okello said.
The Central Organising Committee in Kampala announced the pilgrims, comprising mostly women, - will be joined by a band at Kasana, Luweero District. The message alone is good news to the pilgrims.
“This year I return to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and give glory to the Lord for delivering me from the bondage of satan. I had a serious chest pain but when I went to Namugongo last year, the pain disappeared,” Okello said.
The Catholic Diocese of Lira will lead the celebrations as Christians pay homage to Uganda Martyrs on June 3.
The Diocese, located in Lira Town, also hosted the 1999 Martyrs’ Day celebration.
