Martyrs day: Rwandan pilgrims blocked from going to Namugongo

The government of Rwanda has blocked pilgrims from attending the Martyrs day celebrations in Namugongo.

According to sources at the Border points, different groups who were trekking to Namugongo from various parts of Rwanda were barred from crossing to Uganda by Rwandan army stationed at the border post, a situation that has had a huge effect on daily life for Rwandan families.

The row between the two neighbouring countries has been simmering for the past two years but seems to have escalated when Rwanda closed its borders in February.

Meanwhile, several pilgrims from other countries are in Namugongo for one of the most sort after religious gathering in Africa.

At least 330 pilgrims from Tanzania, 300 from Kenya, 110 from Malawi, 63 from South Africa, 7 from Japan and 40 from Nigeria checked in for the annual event.

Previously, at least 20 people, including bishops, pastors and other Christians from the Anglican Church of Rwanda join thousands of pilgrims at Namugongo for the Martyr’s fete something that has not happened this time.

In 2014, at least 300 pilgrims from Rwanda attended while in 2015, at least 20 were in attendance. In 2016, Tanzania had the largest number of pilgrims (2000), 600 came from Kenya, and about 600 from Rwanda, this is according to Uganda Tourism Board.

A warning by Rwanda‘s government to its citizens not to travel to Uganda has meant no business for the traders and no rights for  Rwandan believers to join in as the world remembers the Uganda Martyrs who were executed between 31 January 1885 and 27 January 1887 by Kabaka Mwanga II for their faith in Jesus Christ. They included 23 Anglican and 22 Catholics.