Making pilgrimmage

Yesterday, I took my student to his placement at Entebbe so that I wouldn't bounce again (he can get to Kampala no problem, but finding a taxi that is going to Entebbe that early is a challenge, as taxis are really minivans, and only want to go when they have been filled).

We left about 5:15 am, and as we were driving towards Kampala, I noticed a fair number of people walking.  I asked him who they were, and he said they were "footing to work."

However, on the way back from church, i saw more groups walking, and with larger numbers.  Many were wearing crucifix necklaces, and some were carrying crosses.

I finally realized that tomorrow, June 3, is Martyrs' Day, and these people were walking to the shrine.  This pilgrimage is most popular with the Catholics, though some Anglicans do walk.  Some of these people started walking a week ago, and all they carry is a jerry can for water, and perhaps a bag (I assume with some clothes), and money to buy food.  

The Catholic shrine is probably about two kilometers from the Anglican shrine, and there are often around a million people (a combined count) at the shrines for the observance of Martyrs' Day.

At the Anglican shrine, the dioceses rotate hosting responsibilities, and last year, UCU hosted the celebrations, as it was our centenary year.  We also launched the prayer book at Martyrs' Day, and I was rather busy with that.

We have about 85 students registered to attend the 10:30 service tomorrow, and they're leaving at 6:30.  They have to; there are two ways to get to the shrine, and both ultimately end up at the same small road.  With several hundred thousand people there, you have to aim to arrive early, of you shall not arrive at all.