Pilgrimage to Namugongo

In short: Pilgrimage to Namugongo: from Lira, among others to Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine. Length: up to around 380 km from Lira, duration: up to 3 weeks. Best time: May to 3 June.

Overview

On 3 June Uganda commemorates the Martyrs of Namugongo: Christian pages at the court of the King of Buganda who were killed for their faith in 1886. Pope Paul VI canonised them in 1964, and a basilica stands on the site today.

The day is a public holiday and one of the largest church occasions in Africa. According to the organisers, more than two million people come. Many walk, some groups for weeks: from Lira in the north it is around 380 kilometres. Pilgrims also travel from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and other neighbouring countries.

The groups are usually organised by parishes. If you want to join as a guest, sort out your accommodation and travel early.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 384 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

This route is a poor choice for a first attempt. You should be sure-footed and have stamina, and several weeks of training will pay off here.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Africa, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.