Braving fatigue, illness, and the judgment of skeptical onlookers, a group of 105 determined pilgrims—65 from Kagamba Parish in Ntungamo and 40 from Nyabishorojya Parish in Mitooma District—arrived in Mbarara City today, resting briefly at Uganda Martyrs Parish before resuming their night journey on foot.
Their destination is Namugongo, where they hope to join thousands commemorating the Uganda Martyrs.
Among them is 86-year-old Matia, whose unwavering faith has carried him through twelve consecutive pilgrimages.
“Jesus had 12 disciples, and I have dedicated one year to each,” he explained.
“I’ve been walking for twelve years, and this is my final year. I have never missed a year, and I haven’t fallen sick since I started.”
The group, which includes elderly pilgrims and youth, has encountered moments of hardship along the way, with two members falling ill.
But as group leader Pius Mihirwe from Ntungamo recounted, faith proved stronger than sickness.
“The journey has been smooth with no major challenges. However, two of our members fell sick along the way, but we prayed for them, and they were healed.”
For 80-year-old Deusidedit Byarugaba, the pilgrimage is more than a personal journey—it’s a call to action for Uganda’s younger generation.
“I urge all the youth to join this movement and pray for their future,” he said.
That call has already inspired some, like 15-year-old Maxensia Ashahebwa, who is walking not only in faith but in hope.
“I am walking and praying for school fees. I’ve faced this challenge for years,” she shared quietly, clutching a rosary.
Yet the journey is not without physical strain.
“This prayer journey is painful,” said pilgrim Mariascovia Kyomukama.
“You get tired, your body aches, especially the back and legs—but through prayer, you feel relieved.”
Faith Kamusime, another pilgrim, acknowledged the criticism they often face from those who don’t understand the depth of their commitment.
“There are people who will never understand this. They criticize us, but we keep going because we know what it means to us.”
Despite the discomfort, these pilgrims remain united by a shared purpose—seeking spiritual renewal through sacrifice, endurance, and unwavering devotion.
As night falls over Mbarara, their journey continues, step by faithful step, joined by other pilgrims from Uganda Martyrs Church.