98-Year-Old Teacher Leads Group of 25 Pilgrims on 51st Journey to Celebrate Uganda Martyrs’ Day
A group of 25 pilgrims led by Bernardo Tibyangye, a 98-year-old retired teacher from Bushenyi in Uganda. Bernardo is the eldest among the group and is making his 51st pilgrimage to Namugongo to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day. The group embarked on their journey from St. Andrea Kaggwa on May 11th, 2023, and traveled over 500 kilometers using a longer route through Ssembabule to reach Kampala. They arrived at Nalukolongo on the evening of May 20th, 2023. The group was motivated to reach Namugongo early due to concerns about the collapse of the Katonga Bridge and subsequent closure. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed and cared for by the Good Samaritan sisters, led by Rev. Sr. Annet Mugisha.
A group of 25 is led by the 98- year -old Bernardo Tibyangye a retired teacher from Bushenyi and the eldest among the pilgrims and he is making his 51st time to Namugongo to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day.
The group set off from St. Andrea Kaggwa on 11th May 2023 and has trekked over 500 kilometers using the longer route through Ssembabule to make it to Kampala where they arrived at Nalukolongo on the evening of 20th May 2023.
They wanted to make it possible to reach Namugongo early enough in fear of failing to take pilgrimage after hearing of the collapse of Katonga Bridge and subsequent closure.
According to Rev. Sr. Annet Mugisha of the Good Samaritan sisters, they received the group at around 6:00 PM on Saturday 20th May 2023 and are taking care of them until Sunday evening 21st May when they will set off to the Catholic Shrine Namugongo.
They arrived with swollen legs, worn-out and in dire need for something to eat and drink and ointment which the religious sisters managed to do.
Sr. Mugisha appealed to any well-wisher to support them with flour, sugar and water which are highly needed to help the foot pilgrims to regain strength when they arrive at Nalukolongo.
This year’s 3rd June Uganda Martyrs day celebrations at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo is to be led by Jinja diocese under the theme; “Lord increase our Faith”
