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| Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) |
The Namugongo Martyrs Catholic Shrine will be open for Ugandan and international pilgrims on November 27, the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) and the Government of Uganda announced.
The Holy Father, who will fly in from Kenya, is expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport at exactly 4.50pm on November 27, and visit various places in Kampala including Namugongo for an Apostolic Mission before his departure to the Central African Republic on November 29.
The Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Most Rev John Baptist Odama, who is also the Archbishop of Gulu and the Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Tarsis Kabwegyere, announced this at a Joint Press Conference that was held in Kampala on Tuesday, November 10.
“The government, together with the UEC, undertook infrastructure improvements at Namugongo and Munyonyo Shrines,” said Hon. Kabwegyere adding. “These places are currently closed to the public for construction works to renovate the Basilica grounds and Namugongo will be open for pilgrims the day before the celebration, that is, Friday, 27th November 2015.”
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| Hon. Tarsis Kabwegyere Minister for General Duties in the Office of Prime Minister |
Archbishop Odama said that everybody is welcomed to these venues to pray and see the Holy Father.
“We call upon all people who intend to participate in the activities of the Pope’s visit to keep time and to be orderly. We recommend that you arrive at the venues at least two hours before the arrival time of the Holy Father,” Archbishop Odama explained.
He emphasized that accreditation is needed for people who will sit close to the Holy Father and those with special responsibilities during the visit.
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| Namugongo Shrine |
Meanwhile, there will be no vending at all venues where the Holy Father will be meeting different groups of people. At Namugongo, the public is notified that there will be a special place that will be designated for vending.
“This is where we expect all the vendors of whatever kind to be. The rest of the places including the route to Namugongo, the entrance and the enclosed area of the Basilica should be reserved for people who will come from far and near to attend the Papal Mass,”Hon. Kabwegyere noted.
Pope Francis’ visit at Namugongo is part of the anniversary celebrations to commemorate the canonization of the 22 Catholic martyrs.
By Jacinta Wangalwa Odongo; Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference