Thousands of pilgrims yesterday flocked Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Uganda to celebrate Martyrs Day with a call on Christians to renew their faith in God.

Every June 3, Christians from around the world pay homage to 45 Martyrs, who were killed by Buganda King Mwanga II in 1886, for converting to Christianity.

The majority of the pilgrims came from Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and DR Congo, besides Uganda.

Leaders and the media

Archbishop Paul Bakyenga of Mbarara Archdiocese, who led the mass at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, called on the clergy and people in leadership positions to ensure that congregations under their jurisdiction renew their relationship with God. 

"As you seek to make laws, don’t tell people to do what seems to be impossible. Let us emulate the martyrs because there is no greater love than for one to lay their life for the sake of his faith,” said Bakyenga.

He called on the media to employ religious correspondents who will help preach the word of God to the people.

"The media should give a dose of the word of God to our people. I’m sure this will not diminish your profits but instead lead to more blessings,” he said.

Friends of Jesus

Bakyenga commended the big turn-up by pilgrims, who trekked hundreds of kilometres, saying the pilgrimage demonstrates that they are good friends of Jesus.

 "Happy and sweating all the way, some of you had cars but you decided to walk,” he said.

At Namugongo, each pilgrim was subjected to a thorough check as they went through metal detectors stationed at different entrances. 

Ugandan Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi underscored the need for rebranding Namugongo Shrine into a tourism destination and centre of spiritual renewal around the globe.