Believers, particularly from the Catholic faith, are flocking to Rwensa Hill in Nyangahya Sub-county, Masindi District, following reports of an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Alleged visionaries claim that the Mother of Jesus urged cohabiting couples to sanctify their unions in Holy Matrimony, calling for repentance and prayers for the nation.
The Hoima Catholic Diocese has advised caution, as the Church carefully discerns the authenticity of these reported visions.
Rumors of the Virgin Mary’s appearance began circulating three weeks ago. Amon Guzima, Rwensa Village's chairman, is believed to be the first to witness the apparition while herding cattle.
According to Guzima, he saw a woman dressed in white with a blue-striped collar who looked at him without speaking.
"I was afraid to share what I saw," Guzima recounted, "but when another woman claimed a similar encounter two days later, I decided to speak up."
News of the apparition quickly spread, drawing crowds to the site.
Brendah Tuhaise, who has camped at Rwensa Hill for two weeks, shared her experience, saying she saw the Virgin Mary on three occasions.
"The first time she was alone, then with two babies, and later alone again," Tuhaise explained. “She spoke to me, told me to bring my husband, and removed a charm that had troubled our home.”
Mary Firidah Bigirwa, a catechist from Nyamigisa Parish, leads prayers at the site and relays the messages from the visionaries, who say the Virgin Mary emphasizes repentance, Church marriage, and the Rosary.
“She has mentioned seeing many women without rings and sensing widespread sin,” Bigirwa said. “She has promised to stay until people truly feel her presence.”
Hoima Diocese's Communications Director, Fr Patrick Museveni, urged caution.
“Many people are coming with different accounts—some see her with babies, others see a cloud. We’re still discerning these visions," Fr Museveni said.
"We have not yet received confirmation from any Church leaders, but we continue to shepherd those in need.”
If evidence from Masindi Vicariate aligns with these reports, the bishop could forward a request to the papal nuncio, who would present it to the Pope to consider declaring Rwensa Hill a pilgrimage site.
So far, the only Vatican-recognized Marian apparition in Africa is Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda, who appeared from 1981 to 1989, foretelling the country’s bloodshed if her message of repentance was ignored.
Kibeho has since become a holy town for pilgrimage called 'Our Lady of Kibeho'.