In his remarks, Inspector-General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola praised the Police and Sister Security Agencies for providing protective cover to pilgrims trekking to Namugongo on foot to renew their faith while commemorating Uganda Martyrs.
The Inspector-General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola has applauded the Police and Sister Security Agencies for providing protective coverage to pilgrims trekking to Namugongo on foot, as part of the religious tradition, to renew their faith while commemorating the Uganda Martyrs.
According to Ochola, several pilgrims from the districts of Kasese, Kabale, Hoima, Masaka, Mityana, Luweero, Lugazi, Lira, Nebbi, Arua, Kitgum, Tororo were safely escorted, and guarded in the course of their journey.
He said the officers also provided security to foreign pilgrims who crossed into the country through the border points of Mutukula, Chanika, Bunagana, Katuna, Kitagata, Mirami Hills, Busia, Malaba, Mpandwe, Vura, Goli, Elegu.
“So far over 10,000 pilgrims have safely arrived at Namugongo including 9 from the USA. The Chief organizers at Fort Portal Diocese and other pilgrims from Rwenzori Archdiocese, who started their journey on the 25.05.2022, are expected to arrive today 30.05.2022 at Namugongo.”
“They comprise of a total number of about 2000 pilgrims,” the IGP added in his message read out to the public by the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga.
He, in addition, sent out his heartfelt condolences to the family of Tukahirwa Jovita a 53-year-old female pilgrim, who was knocked dead on the 21.05.2022 at around 3:30 pm at Akegeto village along the Mbarara-Masaka Highway.
The IGP also sent out condolences to the family of another female pilgrim who died moments after reaching Namugongo.
“Meanwhile, our hearts and thoughts go out to the family of Tukahirwa Jovita a 53 year old female pilgrim, who was knocked on the 21.05.2022 at around 3:30pm at Akegeto village along the Mbarara-Masaka Highway, by a one Muhanguzi Paddy, who was driving a Toyota Harrier registration number UBH168F.”
“The victim was rushed to Dr. Kiiza’s Clinic in Lyantonde, where she passed on. We are also saddened by the sudden death of another pilgrim from Rubirizi, identified as jackline Arinaitwe, a 48 year old, female pilgrim, who died moments after her arrival at Nakiyanja Anglican Shrine in Namugongo. May the souls of the departed pilgrims rest in Eternal Peace,” he added.
The IGP however, mentioned that the task teams from the UPDF, JIC and the Police Units of General Duties, CID, Crime Intelligence, Integrated Highway Patrols, Medical, Field Force Unit, Traffic, Fire and Rescue Services, will continue providing route and venue security to all pilgrims trekking to Namugongo.
