More tourism pilgrims in Uganda are expected on 3rd June
Every 3rd of June every year is a special day in Uganda as groups of people walks to one of the holy places that this country is left with, Namugongo pilgrim site. This is the place where the Uganda martyrs were brutally burnt to death by the then king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga. The sole reason for their death is because they had changed to what was considered as a “white man’s religion” and refused to abandon it. This angered the king who ordered his soldiers to burn the Christians alive at Namugongo.
Because of the martyrs faith and courage, Ugandans decided to remember the day they were killed and it was marked a public holiday. One of the interesting things about this day is that people normally move on foot from different parts of the country regardless of the distance carrying food, clothes, water and other requirements in their bags to Namugongo. This is done to show faith to God and also feel some little pain just like what the martyrs went through.
In fact finding a group of about 7-15 people moving on foot on your Uganda safari during this period should not shock you since it is a cultural and national practice. Roads from different corners of this East African country are now busy as people walk to Namugongo pilgrim site.Though some people use cars especially those who cannot walk due to health problems, the biggest number walk on foot. It is sometimes seen as impracticable to walk for such long distances but the truth is that people walk for many days before 3rd June.
However, it is not only Ugandans who embrace this day but even tourists from different countries use the opportunity to visit the site. Some even arrange and camp at the place for the whole period and after the event, proceed to other adventurous sites in the country including national parks, rivers, lakes, mountains and many more. In the National parks, they get a chance of having a lifetime experience of game viewing, gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, nature walks and many more. For those interested in culture, attending the celebrations at Namugongo on 3rd June is one of the best cultural experiences you can ever get because of the presence of things that are attributed to the lifestyle of the local people. A man-made lake that is believed to contain healing waters is one of the things found at Namugongo. This is the water which according to the history was used by Kabaka Mwanga’s soldiers to clean their swords after killing the martyrs. Gets a chance of seeing the local people struggling to scoop some water in their containers. They take this water with them after the celebrations and keep it in order to get blessings. Some don’t carry it but wash their bodies in this holy water to cleanse them.
Believe me, attending this function is one of the best things you can ever do on a Uganda safari. To reduce cost, you can arrange this as an additional activity on your tour itinerary which may include other adventurous activities.
You do not need to worry about security while at Namugongo because the government has pledged to provide full time security to the people and their properties. Accommodation is mainly by tent and in case you are not comfortable with that, there are classic hotel around the place where you can have a comfortable rest.
