Foreign priests tour, pray at Namugongo Uganda Martyrs' Shrine

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Over 36 Missionary priests from 20 societies worldwide on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, paid a pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyrs Shrines at Namugongo.

The 36 delegates were from 22 Missionary Societies: Australia, Canada, Colombia, Italy, Algeria, Thailand, D.R. Congo, Philippines, France, Haiti, India, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, and Zambia.

Missionary Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL) missonaries who attended the Intercontinental Assembly 2026 in Uganda pose with Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere for a photography after the Holy Mass. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

The team, including the Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa from Zambia, Fr. Stanley Lubungo and the Superior General from other continents.

They made the pilgrimage as one of the activities during a five-day International Biennial Assembly of Missionary Societies of Apostolic Life (MISAL) conference.

The gathering held between April 13 -17 was hosted at Lourdes House in Nsambya.

Under the theme “From the Blood of the Martyrs to the Mission of Today", the pilgrimage to Namugongo started from Lubaga to Nabulagala Church, Kasubi Royal Tombs and Nakiyanja Anglican martyrs’ site.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine led by Rector, Fr Vincent Lubega (in white cassock) gives the delegates gifts. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

At Namugongo, the group had a meeting with the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere and congregated for Mass he led at the Basilica.

While in his sermon, Archbishop Ssemogerere explained that Missionaries are not only working in Uganda, but are also the ancestors in faith since their societies were the pioneers in evangelising the word of God in different parts of Africa, including Uganda.

The prelate added that the pilgrimage they made reminded them of the precious hidden treasure of the Uganda Martyrs killed in 1886.

He said that the Catholic Church will never let the memories of the Martyrs and Missionaries fade, “your pilgrimage here today at Namugongo reminds us of that spiritual treasure and not to take it for granted.”

The Superior General, Fr Lubungo, explained to the congregation that the assembly brings together members of various missionary societies to discuss the role of mission in the modern world. The last Assembly was in St Francis Xavier Shrine, India, in 2024.

He added that the (MISAL) Assembly is also a visible sign of communion that sustains the missionary life of the church.

Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, delivering his sermon during the holy mass at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

“Although we come from diverse institutes, cultures and continents, we are united by a common call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all peoples. In a world that is constantly changing, this communion becomes even more essential, inviting us to walk together, listen to one another and discern the paths that the spirit opens before us,” he added.

He said that the Martyrs' faith in Uganda is testimony that the seed of faith grows through sacrifice, courage, and unwavering conviction.

“As we walk in the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs, we seek to draw inspiration from their example, so that we too may remain credible and joyful witnesses of the Gospel in our own time.” 

Uganda Martyrs Shrine

Namugongo Shrine Rector, Fr Vincent Lubega, briefed the group about Namugongo and the Uganda Martyrs as they toured the shrine’s grounds.

The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo serves as a global pilgrimage site, attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.

June 3 is the designated date for the national celebrations and annual local pilgrimage. This spiritual journey commemorates the 45 Christians who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their faith.

The missionaries delegatation poses for photography with Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere after the Mass at Uganda Martyrs Namugongo on Wednesday April 15, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

Fr Lubega said Uganda is privileged to host millions of pilgrims every year who travel long distances, including the members of MISAL, so far three saints Pope Paul VI (1969), Pope John Paul II (1993) and Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1988). Also, Pope Francis paid a pilgrimage to the shrine in 2015.

Other delegates

Superior General of Guadalupe Missionaries, Mexico and USA, Fr Eugenio Zacarius said that his four days in Uganda were very wonderful days, noting that Ugandans are very strong in their faith, kind and welcoming people. “Whenever I get a chance, I will come back.”

Father Pawd (Paul) Hulecki from Italy said he was happy to be in Uganda for the first time, adding that it is a beautiful country with peace.

At the end of the pilgrimage, each of the pilgrims received a cross decorated with the pictures of the Uganda Martyrs, certificates and medals from the shrine rector as a sign of recognition for their holy visit to Namugongo.