With barely three days remaining to the long awaited Namugongo Uganda Martyrs Day, members of the Fort Portal Diocese Organizing Commiittee in charge of this year’s event at the Catholic Shrine led by Bishop Dr. Robert Muhirwa Akiiki have today updated journalists on the progress and challenges of the preparations so far.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference appointed Fort Portal Diocese to lead this year’s event, an assignment which the Diocese last performed 25 years ago in 1997.
Members of the Fort Portal Diocese Organizing Commiittee for this year’s Namugongo Martyrs event at the Catholic Shrine led by Bishop Robert Akiiki Muhirwa have today updated the media on the final preparations of the final event scheduled for 3rd June this year.
Bishop Muhirwa who will also be this year’s main celebrant said that so far a team of pilgrims from Fort Portal Diocese have so far arrived at Nswanjere Seminary, including a choir of 300 members, from where they will proceed to Namugongo tomorrow.
However, the Bishop cautioned intending pilgrims to be strictly observe the Ministry of Health Standing operation Procedures “ SOPS” on COVID- 19, in addition to observing the hygiene and sanitation standards , by not coming with any polythene materials (kaveera) in line with this year’s Pope’s Episcopal letter urging the believers to be mindful of the environment.
However, the Bishop noted that though much of the 1billion shillings budgeted so far for this year’s event is about to be realized , the committee still lacks some funds to meet some of its obligations.
The Diocesan Pastoral Cordinator, who also doubles as this year’s organizing commiitte chairman Fr. Charles Oyo urged pilgrims to comply with security measures in place for the success of the event.
This year’s celebrations will be marked under the theme:” Baptized and sent to witness Christ with love and hope”. Fort Portal Diocese last organized such national martyrs’ celebrations 25 years ago in 1997.
