SECURITY URGES VIGILANCE AS CHRISTIANS START PILGRIMAGE TO NAMUGONGO

Rukiga Resident District Commissioner, Mr Zadok Kamusiime. PHOTO | ROBERT MUHEREZA.

DAILY MONITOR

The security has urged pilgrims trekking to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine ahead of this year`s Martyrs’ Day to be vigilant in order to avoid being victimised by criminals.

Rukiga Resident District Commissioner, Mr Zadok Kamusiime, asked religious leaders to vet and share a list of Christians taking part in the journey of faith to avoid wrong elements from infiltrating them, or taking advantage to commit crimes.

He stated while addressing Christians who had gathered at the Diocese of Kigezi Cathedral headquarters on Monday.

“We appeal to the leaders to properly vet and share lists of Christians intending to walk to Namugongo for Uganda Martyrs day celebrations with the security teams to block wrong elements that may masquerade as pilgrims with intentions of committing criminal acts along the way,” Mr Kamusiime said.

In the month of May every year, Christians from different parts of the country begin to undertake the journey of faith to commemorate Martyrs’ Day held every June 3.

During last year’s Uganda Martyrs celebrations, 96 people suspected of committing different criminal acts that included theft of mobile phones, money, bags, uttering counterfeit notes, attempted rape, simple robberies and vending forged certificates were arrested according to the police report issued by the Kampala Metropolitan Police.

Security officials said the suspects mingled with pilgrims at the Catholic and Anglican shrines using the cover of religious fervour to commit crimes, especially thefts.

“The group leaders should also be vigilant to ensure that they do not allow anyone who has not been vetted to join them along the way.” Mr Kamusiime said.

The Pastoral Coordinator for Kabale Diocese, Fr Fidel Ndagijimana, said the list of pilgrims will be shared with the police, adding that they will trek alongside security personnel.

“Our Pilgrims that walk on foot follow strict guidelines because after registering, the lists are shared with the police for verification. The police escort them from one district to another for their safety.’’

‘’The office of the Bishop remains with a copy of the list of the walking pilgrims, while another one is shared with the episcopal conference,” Fr Ndagijimana added.