Woman drops dead
Police has confirmed reports that a woman died at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, on Monday morning.
The deceased, Arinitwe Jackline, 49 a peasant from Katokori Village, Kyanarwa Parish, Katanda sub-county in Rubirizi District, was among 100 foot pilgrims from West Ankole diocese. The deceased dropped dead at about 11:30 am in Namugongo Parish, Kira Municipality Wakiso District.
Eye witnesses say Arinitwe died close to the first checkpoint, just moments before she entered the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo.
The leader of the pilgrimage identified as Rev Sam Katagye says the deceased was in stable state at the time she set off on the holy journey, he adds that she has been in perfect health for longtime, judging from how long he has known her.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire says police has launched investigations into circumstances under which Arinitwe died mysteriously.
“The territorial Police at Kira Division is currently investigating the death of a pilgrim. Her body has been conveyed to the city mortuary Mulago for Postmortem to help establish the exact cause of death.” He said
He has advised all pilgrims to always re hydrate by drinking enough water and getting enough rest during the pilgrimage.
Woman drops dead
To celebrate the auspicious day, thousand of Pilgrims walk on foot to the shrine in Namugongo who were killed for their faith after converting to Christianity in the 19th century.
The day commemorates the 45 martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, then King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. In total, 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic converts to Christianity were executed between January 31st 1885 and January 27th 1887. On June 3rd 1886, 32 young men were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. They were a combination of Anglican and Catholic converts.
Fort Portal Catholic Diocese is coordinating and leading this year’s celebration under the theme “Baptised and sent to witness Christ with Love and Hope.” The diocese last led the celebrations in 1997.
Pilgrims have walked or run for 5km and 10km from Munyonyo to Kampala, as part of activities leading to this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3.
Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal flagged off the Martyrs Run and Walk on Saturday May 28, 2022.
