The Government of Uganda has committed to funding pilgrimage sites across the country in a bid to promote religious tourism and community development.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja made the announcement during a pilgrimage at Kooki Haibaale Catholic Martyrs Shrine in Kakumiro District, the birthplace of St. Andrea Kaahwa. She revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had directed her to coordinate with key ministries to support the initiative.
“The President directed me to coordinate with other relevant ministries such as Gender, Labour & Social Development, Finance, Internal Affairs, Tourism, and Local Government to allocate funds towards face-lifting these facilities,” Nabbanja said.
She noted that while Namugongo Shrine has received consistent government support, the focus will now extend to other pilgrimage sites across the country.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Kooki Haibaale on May 26 to honor St. Andrea Kaahwa, one of the Uganda Martyrs who was killed in 1886 at Munyonyo on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. The day marked a significant spiritual moment for many faithful ahead of the national Martyrs’ Day celebrations on June 3.
Mass was led by Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti, Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal.
Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged Christians to emulate St. Kaahwa’s humility and faith. “Fellow pilgrims, walk in the steps of St. Andrea Kaahwa who is the patron of catechists, teachers, and families. Be humble and love one another,” he said.
Bishop Kirabo called on the faithful to remain merciful and God-fearing. “Pray to God for blessings to forgive you as you make pilgrimage. Trust your angels and be God-fearing,” he said.
During the event, Nabbanja pledged to tarmac the road leading to the shrine and contributed UGX 10 million towards the construction of shrine facilities. Other guests also made financial contributions.
Former State Minister Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki urged the Catholic Church to preserve the identity of St. Andrea Kaahwa by using his original Bunyoro name rather than the Luganda version, Andrew Kaggwa. “He was not Andrew Kaggwa. That was not his real name,” he emphasized.
Andrea Kaahwa was a Munyoro who was captured during a Baganda raid and taken to serve at the royal court. He was baptized on April 30, 1882, by Fr. Lourdel (Fr. Mapera) and later executed on May 26, 1886. His remains are believed to have healing powers, and pilgrims collect water from the site each year for blessings.
Kooki Haibaale continues to attract thousands of believers annually, offering a significant opportunity for faith-based tourism and local economic growth.
