They came on foot, in silence, past armoured trucks and yellow tape. Hours earlier, a bomb had exploded just outside the Munyonyo Basilica gate, killing two people.
But by mid-morning Tuesday, the faithful were back—filling the courtyard, singing, and praying in defiance.
Police said the explosion, which shook the area just before 9am, was set off by a woman carrying an improvised device.
She was reportedly being pursued by security operatives when the device went off, killing her and the boda boda rider transporting her.
“I rushed outside and found a man’s body by the roadside. The motorcycle was crushed. A few metres away, the woman’s body was torn apart,” said one worshipper who had arrived early for the Uganda Martyrs’ Day mass.
Security forces quickly sealed off the scene, cordoning the perimeter and urging pilgrims to disperse.
But the shock, though palpable, did not dissolve the crowd’s resolve.
Roads to the shrine remained closed. Yet one by one, pilgrims returned—on foot, on bicycles, even pushing wheelchairs—drawn not just by ritual but by sol.
Despite the horrific scene, Christians were not deterred. A mass in memory of the martyrs proceeded as planned, with the faithful filling the basilica’s courtyard in a powerful act of defiance and devotion.
During the mass, the congregation extended forgiveness to those behind the attack and prayed for their repentance.
As the mass was scheduled for 10am, a powerful blast shook the area at around 9am.
“I rushed outside the basilica,” one worshipper recalled, “and saw a man’s body lying lifeless on the road, a motorcycle mangled near the gate. Close by was the dismembered body of a woman.”
Police and military personnel at the basilica quickly called for reinforcements and cordoned off the scene to preserve evidence and protect the crowd.
Uniformed officers and civilians moved cautiously around the basilica grounds, many still in shock. Security forces later urged Christians to leave the scene, fearing more attacks.
After a temporary evacuation, Christians began to return. Although roads to the shrine were closed, many abandoned their vehicles and walked to the church, determined to take part in the mass.
At 11:30am, the service began, filled with songs of praise and prayers for peace.
Fr. Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, head of Youth in Kampala Archdiocese, led the mass.
He admitted that the tragedy almost kept him from attending, but said he felt guided by the Spirit to stand with the faithful.
"What happened today is a test of faith, just as it was for the martyrs we honor,” he said.
Fr. Ssebunnya commended the courage of the Christians who had gathered despite the danger and joined them in extending forgiveness to those behind the bombing.
"We have forgiven you," said one worshipper. "But repent, and be saved.”
As the mass continued into the morning, a community shaken by violence found unity in worship, resilience, and forgiveness.