Prime
700 Kenya pilgrims expected at Namugongo as first group arrives in Busia
Busia District Traffic Officer, Mr Alex Asiimwe, speaks to foot pilgrims from Kenya at St Jude Church in Busia Town on Tuesday. He advised them to observe traffic rules while walking to Namugongo for Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for June 3, 2024. PHOTO/DAVID AWORI
What you need to know:
- Alexander Wejuli, the lead Christian at St Jude Catholic Church in Busia-Kenya, said the first group of pilgrims numbering 27 had arrived in Uganda through the Busia border and more are expected.
At least 700 pilgrims from Kenya are expected to join the rest of the Christians in marking the Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3.
Alexander Wejuli, the lead Christian at St Jude Catholic Church in Busia-Kenya, said the first group of pilgrims numbering 27 had arrived in Uganda through the Busia border and more are expected.
“We have 27 pilgrims who are from Bungoma Diocese in Western Kenya, but we are expecting another 40 from the Diocese of Kisumu and more from Kiosoko and Nakuru Diocese,” Wejuli said on Tuesday.
He says the foot pilgrims from various groups are about 300 but expects another 400 to travel by bus.
The first group of foot pilgrims left Busia town for Namugongo on Tuesday morning after spending a night at St Jude Church. They hope to be in Namugongo by May 31.
But before setting off, the pilgrims first had a Morning Prayer and breakfast, after which they were taken through the road safety tips by the Busia District Traffic Officer, Mr Alex Asiimwe.
Mr Asiimwe told the pilgrims to keep right while walking to enable them to see oncoming vehicles.
“We are saying use right while walking because this will help you to see the vehicles coming ahead.”
Mr Asiimwe, who escorted the pilgrims as they started their journey from Busia to Namugongo, said the traffic message is to ensure the visitors are safe on Ugandan roads.
“I am told some pilgrims from Kenya, on two separate occasions, have been knocked and we don’t want this to happen again,” he said.
Mr John Ndubi, who is leading the group, decried heavy rains that have disrupted their walking plans.
