Hundreds of thousands of Catholic believers from across Uganda gathered at the historic Kigungu landing site to commemorate 146 years of Catholic faith in the country.
This significant site marks the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries, Brother Amans Delmas and Father Simeon Lourdel (Mapeera), who landed on February 17, 1879, after a long journey from Tanzania.
During the celebration, Kampala Archbishop Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere emphasized the importance of prayer and called for compassion towards those imprisoned, specifically urging the state to extend mercy to individuals like Dr. Kizza Besigye.
“We should pray for those who are imprisoned, and we appeal to the state to forgive those who have wronged them,” he stated.
Bishop Severus Jumba of the Masaka Catholic Diocese also highlighted the need for unity and love among believers, advising against political confusion.
“We should work together, love one another, and avoid getting involved in politics that brings confusion,” he said.
Local leaders took the opportunity to urge Entebbe Municipality to address the poor condition of the Kigungu road, recognizing the area’s significance as an annual pilgrimage destination for Catholic believers honoring the missionaries who brought the message of God to Uganda.
As Archbishop Ssemogerere noted, the Kigungu landing site is a historically important location that deserves preservation.
He called on Entebbe Municipal Authorities to gazette the site to enhance its appeal as a tourist attraction.