Our Medical Team Provided Support to Lira Diocese Pilgrims En Route to Namugongo
Each year, thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and East Africa Walk to the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo to commemorate Martyrs’ Day, a solemn national holiday held on June 3rd in honor of the Uganda Martyrs who gave their lives for their Christian faith between 1885 and 1887. This year, over 1000 dedicated pilgrims from Lira Diocese set out on a 340-kilometer journey on foot, driven by faith, devotion, and a strong sense of spiritual purpose.
Recognizing the physical toll such a journey can take, our medical team was dispatched to Kigumba to offer much-needed care to the pilgrims which comprise of essential first aid and health education.
The Sacred Journey Begun in Lira Diocese
The pilgrimage began on May 12, 2025, when pilgrims from various parish gathered at Lira Cathedral for a three-day spiritual retreat facilitated by priests and teachers from Emaus Center. The retreat focused on prayer, reflection, and preparing the faithful for the long walk ahead.
On May 15, 2025, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, gave his blessing to the pilgrims at Lira Cathedral, officially sending them off on their sacred journey to Namugongo in preparation for Martyrs’ Day, celebrated annually on June 3rd.
Their journey has taken them through key stops including:
- Loro – reached at 4:00 PM on May 16
- Corner Kamdini – arrived at 8:30 AM on May 17
- Dima – spent the night on May 17
- Katulikire Parish – arrived at noon on May 18
- Kigumba Parish – reached at 4:30 PM on May 19, with a two-day rest scheduled
By the time the pilgrims arrived in Kigumba Parish, they had already walked a distance of 138 kilometers and still have to face 202 kilometers to reach Namugongo.
Enduring Physical Challenges on the Journey
Walking such long distances in the Ugandan climate comes with numerous health risks. Pilgrims reported:
- Extreme fatigue and muscle strain
- Swollen or blistered feet and leg injuries
- Dehydration and heat exhaustion
- Mosquito bites and suspected malaria
- Flu, cough, and gastrointestinal issues
- Worsening of chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes
Many were first-time pilgrims unfamiliar with the physical demands of such a journey, making medical intervention critical.
Many first-time pilgrims were unprepared for the physical demands of the journey, leading to injuries that required urgent medical attention. Our medical teams provided essential support, treating foot injuries and ensuring the pilgrims could continue safely.
Our Responds with Medical Care
On May 20, our hospital’s medical team arrived at Kigumba Parish, where they provided on the ground support and treatment to over 200 pilgrims. The team diagnosed and managed a variety of medical conditions including:
- Underlying health condition like High blood pressure and diabetes
- Peptic ulcers and gastritis
- Suspected malaria
- Muscle fatigue and joint pain
- Wounds, bruises, and swollen legs
- Diarrhea, flu, and cough
- Sepsis and other infections
- Uncontrolled diabetes
In addition to first aid and basic treatment, the team also provided health education to promote safe practices along the journey, especially regarding hydration, nutrition, wound care, and infection prevention.
Gratitude from the Pilgrimage Coordinators
Following the medical intervention, the Chairperson and Coordinator of the Lira Diocese pilgrimage expressed heartfelt appreciation:
We are truly grateful to St. John XXIII Hospital Aber. Your support is a beacon of hope on this long journey. Every year, your medical team reminds us that we are not walking alone. Thank you for your unwavering service.
Faith in Action: Our Commitment to Community Health
At St. John XXIII Hospital Aber, we believe that healthcare is not confined to the hospital, it is a mission that follows the people wherever they are. Supporting the Lira Diocese pilgrims reflects our commitment to Christian service, holistic healing, and compassionate outreach.
As the pilgrims continue their journey from Kigumba to Nyakitoma Parish and eventually to Namugongo, we carry them in our prayers. May their strength be renewed, their steps be steady, and their faith be deepened.
