The Catholic Church is in mourning after four of its members were brutally killed in an accident that left several others injured.
The faithfuls were on their annual trek from Kenya to Uganda when a 14-seater public service vehicle ploughed into them, killing four instantly.
The group of 50 pilgrims were on their way to Uganda to commemorate the martyrdom of 22 Catholics who were killed in the 19th century.
The pilgrim’s leader, Mr Samuel Omondi, said the main aim of trekking over the 200 Kilometre stretch from Kenya to Uganda is to celebrate the lives of the martyrs and also stand in solidarity with the Ugandan Catholics.
Between the period of 31st January 1885 and 27th January 1887, Uganda’s Kabaka kingdom ordered the killing of Christianity converts. Among those killed were 23 Anglicans and 22 Catholics.
At the time of the persecutions, Africa was embroiled in a three-pronged religious struggle to control the individual African states.
Terrible Accident
The driver of the passenger van which caused the accident has since been arrested by police for further questioning.
However, initial reports indicated that he was overspeeding and trying to overtake when he swerved and ploughed into the pilgrims headed to Kampala.
Among those injured in the accident were Sarah Ajambo, Kisoko Kojja, Joseph Lusinyo, Akira Kevin, John Okoth, Eugine Masinde and Gladys Malinabi, all from Bungoma diocese.
Mr Omondi said they had been deeply affected by the accident, but still, he urged those willing to take part in the march to join.
” We have in the group pilgrims who have been trekking for over 15 years while others are making their maiden trek. I urge other Christians to join us next year to see for themselves people who suffered because of Christ, ” he said.
The group which treks 30 kilometres per day is set to reach the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo on the 31st of May in preparation for the celebrations which begin on the 3rd of June.
The oldest member of the pilgrims, Ms Ann Atema, 53 said she started trekking in the year 2005 and has never missed a year.
The group was headed for their next stopover at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bugembe when the tragic accident occurred.
Police in Uganda are organizing on the logistics of transferring the bodies of the injured to the dead to Kenya for proper treatment and burial respectively.