Ms Josephine Ssebirumbi Najjuma, a Catholic devotee from Ggoli in Mpigi district defied yesterday and took a walk of faith to Namugongo in memory of the Uganda Martyrs, making it most likely the only foot pilgrim who turned up for the celebration this year, after the church called off the annual event in the wake of Coronavirus Disease.
As countries battled the pandemic, borders were closed, the government banned public gatherings and asked faithful’s to stay home as the Church subsequently limited the celebration to only 60 people, who comprised Church and political leaders.
Ms Najjuma however trekked over 80 kilometers to Namugongo despite knowing that she would not have access to the shrines.
The 65-year-old with an amputated hand shares that she couldn’t miss the celebration because the day has been part of her life because through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs she has received a number of miracles and couldn’t fail to come back to glorifying and thanking the Lord. Ms Josephine 1…
Ms Josephine who is also a leader of the group of Sacred Heart of Jesus at her home parish says that she woke up early on Tuesday morning and armed herself with a rosary before embarking on the journey.
She says that because the place was closed to the public, she decided to seek refuge at St. Kizito Primary School which is a stone-throw away from the shrines.
Ms Josephine speaking2…..
Early in the morning, Josephine was among the first people to arrive at the gate of shrine even before it could be opened for the invited guests. When the security officials tried to bounced her back she resisted, shouted and attracted attention of people who asked the police to let her attend Mass from outside given the fact that she had walked a long journey to Namugongo, and it was cleared after she endlessly pleaded. END