The Catholic Church has pledged to provide transportation for pilgrims stranded at the Namugongo shrine following the Martyrs’ Day celebrations on June 3rd. This announcement came after many pilgrims, left without transport, sought assistance from Namugongo parish priest Vincent Lubega.
Fr. Lubega expressed his concern for the stranded pilgrims, highlighting the challenges they faced.
“We have another group which is not able to go on their own. First of all, they do not have transport, and some of them are mentally sick and unable to remember where they came from, so they need guidance,” he said.
Fr. Lubega assured that he would work with the Nebbi Diocese to ensure these pilgrims' safe return.
“If we give them money, they are going to eat it. So we are going to zone them from where they come from. We are going to put them in the bus up to their dioceses and they will be helped from there,” he added.
As of last evening, over 100 pilgrims were still stranded, waiting by the roadside for their buses. Among them was Joyce Likicoru, a pilgrim from Arua, who was stuck with 35 others after the bus they hired failed to return.
“We contributed our money and hired a bus to bring us here. The bus went back to its usual business and it was supposed to pick us up today but all in vain. We are in touch with them and hopeful that anytime they will be here,” Ms. Likicoru said.
In contrast, the Anglican site had very few stranded pilgrims. Joan Kenyonyozi from Bushenyi was among the three who were left behind. She had walked to the shrine but lacked the funds to return home. A friend had promised to send her money for the return journey, but she was unable to reach her.
“I have been trying to reach her in vain because the phone is off. I have tried to reach out to my relatives, but they also say they have no money,” Ms. Kenyonyozi said.
Another pilgrim, John Misago, 86, from Luweero, recounted his unfortunate experience.
“I fell off the truck around Kireka Junction as we headed to the Catholic Martyrs Shrine and injured my legs. Immediately after Mass, I decided to go for treatment. I came back late and found that the people I had come with had left me,” Misago said.
The Catholic Church’s intervention aims to ensure that all stranded pilgrims are safely transported back to their respective dioceses, reflecting the spirit of care and community that the Martyrs’ Day celebrations embody.
