KASESE – More than 78 pilgrims out of 1,950 from Beni-Butembo Diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been warmly received at the Mpondwe border by the Diocese of Kasese as they prepare to animate the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on 3 June 2026 at Namugongo Catholic Shrine in Kampala.
The pilgrims, who have been travelling on foot towards Uganda, arrived in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council at around 11:00am where they were met amidst tight security arrangements from police and UPDF.
Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira Kambale, Bishop of Diocese of Kasese, expressed deep gratitude to his counterpart in Beni-Butembo and to the pilgrims for their commitment and resilience.
He also announced that more than 100 choir members drawn from Beni-Butembo Diocese have been selected to join the main choir that will lead worship at Namugongo on Martyrs Day.
Joseph Nzukwa, vice-chairperson of the Diocese of Kasese organizing committee, said the Beni-Butembo foot pilgrims will link up with Kasese pilgrims on Sunday, and both contingents will begin the unified march on 19 May 2026 toward Kampala.
Fr. Safari Christopher, speaking on behalf of the Beni-Butembo delegation, said the pilgrimage is dedicated to the restoration of peace and security in the DRC.
Other pilgrims interviewed echoed reasons of faith, a desire for healing and reconciliation in DRC as motivations for their walk to Namugongo catholic shrine.
The Diocese of Kasese animated the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo for the first time in 2005, It has marked 21 years since that year. Organizers say the collaboration with the Beni-Butembo pilgrims underscores the regional and spiritual significance of the commemoration and the church’s role in promoting unity across borders.
