Security has been tightened in and around the shrine. Police has arrested over 11 suspects over alleged theft of phones and other properties from pilgrims.

Thousands of pilgrims have converged at the Catholic and Anglican Martyrs shrine in Namugongo to celebrate this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day animated by Gulu Archdiocese.

By 6 am, thousands were seen queuing from as far as Kyaliwajjala while many others were seen trekking from different routes leading to the Shrine. Most routes are being manned by a ring of joint security team.

As multitudes continued to press to enter the Shrine, hundreds are wading through the large crowds to find their way out of the shrine. The situation is less similar to the one at the Anglican Shrine at Nakiyanja.

According to the organisers, more than 5,000 foreign pilgrims from around the world have attended the celebrations.

The Kampala metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire says that they have received 35 cases, out of which 31 are theft of mobile phones. Of the 31 phones, Owoyesigire says Police has recovered only 5 each worth about 60,000 shillings. He further explains that out of the 35 cases recorded,3 are from the Anglican shrine whereas 32 are from the Catholic side.

Luke Owoyesigire had also earlier explained that they recovered about 9 children who had lost touch with their parents;

There was also a weird incident of a woman getting stuck in a toilet;