The pilgrims converge at Katosa on January 27 annually to remember Adolf Tibewalirwa also known as Ludigo Mukasa, one of the 45 Catholic and Anglican martyrs who were killed at the hands of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda between 1885 and 1887, for refusing to denounce their faith.
More than 3,000 pilgrims from Fort Portal Diocese have
started a pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyr’s Villa in Katosa, Kyenjojo
District to commemorate the Fort Portal Diocese Martyrs Day celebrations.
The pilgrims converge at Katosa on January 27 annually to remember Adolf
Tibewalirwa also known as Ludigo Mukasa, one of the 45 Catholic and Anglican
martyrs who were killed at the hands of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda between 1885
and 1887, for refusing to denounce their faith.
Adolf Tibewalirwa was a native of Mweri in Katosa, Kyenjojo district. The
Uganda episcopal conference authorized Fort Portal Diocese to hold an
independent martyr’s day celebration.
On Tuesday, the pilgrims from Kasese, Kabarole, Bundibugyo,
and Kamwenge gathered at Bukwali Catholic Parish in Fort Portal City to begin a
55 Kilometer pilgrimage to Katosa.
This year’s celebrations will be animated by Kyarusozi Parish
under the theme “Take your candle, go and light the world.”
Fedelesi Tumushabe 67, says that she has walked to Katosa for
six years. She credits the prayers from Katosa for having been a foundation for
her success. She says that through prayers she was able to buy a piece of land,
cultivate food and pay for her children’s school fees.
// Cue in: “ Omukutadika kulamaga…
Cue out: ... mukama ahaweiyakoreire.”//
Rose Kabagenzi 66, says that she is hopeful that God will now
open new blessings in her life.
Jane Timalilwaki from Rwimi Parish says that during the
pilgrimage, she gets enough time to talk to God and her prayers have been
answered.
// Cue in: “Nkaroramu kufuna obwire...
Cue out: ... owokweha kumugamira.”//
Joash Musomesa from Bugombwa Parish in Bundibugyo District who
has trekked to Katosa for more than 10 years says that his main purpose is to
seek God to give him a life of perseverance.
// Cue in: “ Ekigendererwa kyo kuramaga...
Cue out: ... ekyetago kyange kyona.
Jackline Kemigisa, 12 years from Yerya Parish, says that she
decided to walk to Katoosa to thank God for the gift of life.
9-year-old Mark Alinda says that he decided to embark on the pilgrimage to ask
God for knowledge and protection of his parents.
// Cue in: “ Nyowe ekimpambirize...
Cue out: ... kusoma kurungi.”//
Acleo Ajuna, the Vice Guild President of the Bakaiso group of
Fort Portal Diocese who are the organizers of this annual pilgrimage says that
they expect over 4,000 Christians to participate in the pilgrimage.
He says that the pilgrims have been advised to move in groups
so as to ensure their safety and well-being while on the way.
The pilgrims are expected to arrive in Katosa on Wednesday at
around 10 a.m.
