A 97 year old pilgrim from Bushenyi district is in tears after losing Shillings 230,000 and his travel documents to thugs at Namugongo martyrs shrine.
According to Bernard Tibyangye, he lost his wallet containing Shillings 230,000 when he stepped out of Namugongo Catholic shrines yesterday to buy something to eat.
Tibyangye, who looked worried, told our reporter at Namugongo that he has expected to use the money for his travel and other pilgrims back to Bushenyi after the Martyrs day celebrations.
According to Tibyangye, he came to Namugongo to get more blessing and praise God for the life he has given him. He said a few people of his age are able to walk or talk steadily like he does meaning that God perhaps gave him a unique life.
Tibyangye has been attending the Namugongo Martyrs’ celebrations since 2010 and feels energized whenever he makes it to the shrines.
Fr. Joseph Muwonge, the Incharge of popularizing information about Uganda martyrs, says pilgrims need to be careful with their property since not all those who come to Namugongo are worshipers.
Meanwhile, The Deputy Police Spokesperson, Polly Namaye, says they have deployed numerous uniform and plain clothed security personnel to deal with all criminals planning to disrupt peaceful celebrations.
She also says security has installed 63 closed circuit television cameras to monitor movements at the shrines, saying it will help identify criminals for prosecution.
In addition, four surveillance helicopters have been lined and will begin work on June 1 when more pilgrims are expected to arrive at Namugongo for the June 3rd celebrations.
