The Government of Uganda has committed to funding and upgrading pilgrimage sites across the country as part of its strategy to promote religious tourism and local development.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja announced the decision during a pilgrimage at Kooki Haibaale, the Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine in Kakumiro District, where St. Andrea Kaahwa was born.
The President directed me to coordinate with relevant ministries, including Gender, Labor and Social Development; Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Internal Affairs; Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; and Local Government, to allocate resources toward improving these facilities. “This will promote religious tourism and also develop such areas,” said Nabbanja.
Nabbanja noted that while the government has historically supported Namugongo Shrine, it will now extend its assistance to other shrines nationwide, including regional martyrdom sites like Kooki Haibaale.
During the event, the Prime Minister pledged to tarmac the road leading to the shrine and personally contributed UGX 10 million towards its construction. Other dignitaries in attendance also made contributions.
On May 26, 2025, thousands of local and international pilgrims, including a delegation from Germany, gathered at St. Andrea Kaahwa Shrine to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.
This annual celebration culminates in the larger Martyrs Day events held on June 3, honoring the Christians who were burned to death under the orders of King Mwanga II.
St. Andrea Kaahwa, a Munyoro and one of the Uganda Martyrs, was killed at Munyonyo in 1886. Born in Bugangaizi, he was captured during a Baganda raid, enslaved, and presented to the Kabaka as part of the spoils. He was baptized by Fr. Lourdel (Fr. Mapera) on April 30, 1882, and later served as Mwanga’s bandmaster-general (Mugowa).
He was arrested, mutilated, and executed on May 26, 1886. His arm was severed and presented to Mukasa before he was beheaded and hacked to pieces. He is remembered as the patron of Catechists, Teachers, and Families.
During the Mass, led by Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti (Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese) and Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki (Fort Portal Diocese), religious leaders, encouraged pilgrims to emulate the humility and love exemplified by St. Andrea Kaahwa.
“Walk along the steps of St. Andrea Kaahwa. “Be humble and love one another,” urged Bishop Muhiirwa.
“Trust God, pray for forgiveness, and let Kaahwa be your guide and intercessor,” Bishop Kirabo added.
Meanwhile, local leaders, including Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki, former State Minister and former MP for Bugangaizi West, called on the Catholic Church to adopt the Lunyoro name “Andrea Kaahwa” instead of the Luganda version, “Andrew Kaggwa”, to preserve cultural authenticity.
“Andrea Kaahwa was not his real name,” Atwooki emphasized, urging Church authorities to uphold his heritage.
The Kooki Haibaale Shrine holds historical and spiritual importance for the Bunyoro sub-region. Each May 26, thousands gather to pray and pay homage to St. Andrea Kaahwa collects holy water, is believed to possess healing powers and celebrates Mass in honor of the Martyrs.
With increased government support and recent improvements in infrastructure, Kooki Haibaale is steadily gaining recognition as a key religious tourism destination. Its development offers an opportunity to promote both faith enrichment and socioeconomic growth in the region.
With government support and improved infrastructure, sites like Kooki Haibaale are poised to become key religious tourism destinations, contributing to both faith enrichment and economic development.
The shrine is not only a place of worship but also a focal point for communal identity and spiritual renewal.