By: Ismael Kasooha
KAKUMIRO
The Government of Uganda has resolved to allocate funds to Pilgrimage sites across the country to promote Religious Tourism.
“The President directed me to coordinate with other relevant Ministries such as Gender Labour & Social Development, Finance Planning and Economic Development, Internal Affairs, Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities, and Local Government to allocate funds towards face-lifting these facilities. This will promote religious tourism in the country and also help to develop such areas,” said Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of Uganda.
Nabbanja made the revelation during the pilgrimage at Kooki Haibaale a Catholic Martyrs Shrine where St. Andrea Kaahwa was born in Kakumiro District.
Nabbanja said that government has been supporting Namugongo shrine but will now go down to also support the other shrines across the country.
German Pilgrims attending mass at St. Andrea Kaahwa Shrine on Monday 26 May 2025
3rd June every year is celebrated worldwide in remembrance of the Uganda Martyrs who were burnt to death on the orders of King of Buganda, Mwanga. As Christians continue to trek to Namugongo to mark this day, on the 26th of May annually, thousands of pilgrims from Bunyoro sub region and neighbouring regions, gather at Kooki Haibaale, in Kakumiro District where St Andrea Kaahwa was born.
St. Andrea Kaahwa is one of the Uganda Martyrs who was killed at Munyonyo in Kampala. The Holy mass was led by the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti together with the Bishop of Fort Portal Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki.
During mass Bishop Muhiirwa appealed to the pilgrims to follow the footsteps of St. Andrea Kaahwa by loving their religion and loving one another, which is the greatest commandment from God.
“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,” said Muhiirwa.
Bishop Kirabo asked the pilgrims to be merciful if they are to get mercy and remain in the love of Christ.
“Pray to God for blessings to forgive you as you make pilgrimage. Trust your angels and be God fearing. God who led Musa and the Israelites to the promised land should forgive you and reward you for the issues you brought to him as Pilgrims. Let St. Andrea Kaahwa be your guide and lawyer forever,” said Kirabo.
Some Leaders of Bunyoro want the Catholic Church to consider using the Lunyoro names instead of using Andrew Kaggwa the Luganda name.
Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki, the former State Minister and former Bugangaizi West Member of Parliament appealed to the Catholic Church to always ensure Andrea Kaahwa is not referred to as Andrew Kaggwa which was not his real name.
The Prime Minister on behalf of the Government also promised to tarmac the road leading to the shrine.
Prime Minister Nabbanja contributed sh10m towards the construction of the shrine and other guests also contributed.
Background
Andrea Kaahwa was a Munyoro, captured at an early age during a Baganda raid in Bugangaizi and carried off as a slave. He was said to be a handsome, well-built boy and that is why he was presented to the Kabaka as part of his share of the spoils.
Andrea Kaahwa (1856 – May 26, 1886) was a Ugandan Roman Catholic martyred for his faith. He was one of many Christians put to death by King Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887. He was the king Mwanga’s bandmaster-General, the Mugowa.
He was baptized on 30 April 1882 by Pere Lourdel (known as Fr. Mapera) at Nabulagala. The day he met his death, he was arrested at his home and taken to the Chancellor who ordered the executioners to cut off his arm.
Kaggwa’s arm was first cut off and taken to Mukasa before he was beheaded and hacked to pieces at Munyonyo. He died in the afternoon of Wednesday 26 May 1886. Kaggwa is the patron of Catechists, Teachers and Families. He is remembered as one of the Martyrs of Uganda‘s feast day.
There are also footprints of Andrea Kaahwa and other unique features, Christians throng his area every May 26 to pray for Kaahwa and take the water to heal illnesses and give them blessings.
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