Popularise Namugongo shrines as tourism sites

For the second year running, Christians are marking Martyrs Day from home as social distancing measures for the prevention of Covid-19 remain in place.

 This year, as we reflect on the great faith displayed by those early Christian men and women, let us remember the message given by several leaders in the lead up to these celebrations. Let us not wait for Martyrs’ Day to trek to Namugongo. 

Our devotion should be displayed all year round and we are especially encouraged to showcase these Christian shrines to the young generation so that they can relate to the inspirational stories and carry on the faith in years to come. 

In short, while the devotees have been prevented from taking their favourite pilgrimage during this pandemic, we should continue to preserve and improve Namugongo, the historical site, as a faith-based tourism centre. 

Believers and other would-be visitors should be encouraged to keep visiting at other times of the year in controlled numbers. The church can lead the way on this, with communication and scheduled activities scattered throughout the year. Plans by the Anglican Church to expand the martyrs’ shrine and add facilities are welcome. All this should be done in a sustainable way that ensures access for the faithful and preservation of our history. 

The Covid-19 pandemic presents a big obstacle to our celebration of the Uganda Martyrs but it could be the opportunity we need to encourage a more constant reflection on our faith, guided by the actions of the martyrs. 

It is also the push we need to place the martyrs’ shrine more prominently on the itinerary of visitors to Uganda. Pilgrims should be reassured that the Martyrs shrine retains its value and significance beyond June 3. 

Using modern media, visitors can be given a museum experience with the past and contemporary landmarks of our Christian faith put on display at Namugongo, with the overall message that we do not need to be part of the big numbers synonymous with past celebrations in order to appreciate those early Christians who were executed for their faith. 

With a little creativity, we can attempt to fill the enormous vacuum created by Covid-19 and felt sharply around and outside the country by those who looked forward to the yearly pilgrimage to Namugongo.