Namugongo Clears Slowly As Stranded Pilgrims Wait For Transport

Traffic inched forward from Kyaliwajjala towards Namugongo on Wednesday morning, as pilgrims who had gathered to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day struggled to find transport back home.

While many had already departed, significant numbers remained, stranded by a mix of logistical hurdles, low transport fares, and outright lack of means.

Pilgrims crowded roadside stages, some boarding overloaded taxis and buses, while others sat on their luggage, waiting.

The public transport operators were overwhelmed. Although business was booming, many complained of low fares, particularly for long journeys upcountry.

"I’m about to set off," said Kateregga Robert, as he prepared for a long walk home. "Me and others plan to walk back the same way we came."

Andrew, a pilgrim from Busia, said his journey home would begin that day—if he could find transport. "There are no cars available yet," he noted.

Outside the Catholic shrine, vendors were still at their stalls, but the crowds had thinned considerably. Sales were slow.

Inside, however, pockets of pilgrims still lingered, some with nowhere to go. Among them was a group from Pallisa District that found themselves stuck.

"We don’t know how we will go home," said Teddy Nakirya, from Butebo District. "We are asking our Members of Parliament to come to our rescue."

Father Vincent Lubega, who oversees the Catholic shrine at Namugongo, confirmed that while most pilgrims left on the morning of June 4, a few had remained behind due to financial constraints or mental health conditions that left them disoriented.

“Most of the pilgrims who spent the night on 3rd June left this morning," he said. "However, there are a few remaining. Some may not have transport fares. Others may have mental disabilities and don’t remember their homes. So we plan to listen to everyone."

Fr Lubega explained that the church does not offer money but arranges for transport through pre-paid buses.

"Normally we get buses to take those who are stranded—say along Jinja Road. We get a car to take those heading to Mukono, Jinja and other districts. We don’t give money. Instead, the driver is paid."

By late afternoon, the once-bustling Anglican site nearby had fallen silent. Most of the pilgrims had already departed, leaving behind a few vendors packing up their goods.

Security personnel, who had maintained order during the day’s events, were now winding down their operations and preparing to leave.

Back on the road, the jam slowly cleared. As Namugongo receded into quiet, only a few voices remained—those still waiting, still hoping, and still unsure of how they would make their way home.