IN PICTURES: Fun, business at Katoosa Martyrs Shrine
Sunday Rogers
Journalist @New Vision
KYENJOJO | PILGRIMS | BUSINESS
The Katoosa Catholic Martyrs shrine in the Kyenjojo district is a hub of activity for the business community.
Every January 27, hundreds of Christian pilgrims flock to the area to seek the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs; notable among them is St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa, who was born in the area.
More pilgrims arriving at the Katoosa Catholic Martyrs Shrine in Kyenjojo district
The business community, mainly hawkers dealing in Catholic religious literature, symbols, and clothing, is what welcomes you at the entrance of the shrine.
Other traders dealing in food and clothes, among other items, have also flocked to the area.
Pilgrims buying rozaries from one of the traders at Katoosa Martyrs Shrine in Kyenjojo district
Agnes Kabonesa, a trader at Katoosa Martyrs Shrine, told the New Vision that the large number of pilgrims that turn up is what boosts their business.
“Some pilgrims cannot carry all that they need along the way as they walk here. So, we bring some of the necessary items closer to them," Kabonesa, who was selling rosaries at the shrine, said at night on January 25, 2023.
Pilgrims flocking the Katoosa Catholic Martyrs Shrine in Kyenjojo district
Fred Kugonza, who was dealing in food items, said they are cognizant of the fact that the shrine is located a distance from the Kyenjojo main town.
“It would be inconveniencing for the pilgrims who are already tired to again walk back to Kyenjojo town looking for food,” Kugonza said.
Trade and business at the Katoosa Martyrs Shrine
Grace Birungi, another trader, said the high price of commodities has greatly affected the purchasing power of most of the clients.
Traders selling mats and other essential items at the Katoosa Martyrs Shrine in Kyenjojo district (1)
"I'm worried that we may have to carry back much of the commodities we had brought here for sale. Most of the pilgrims do not have money. Even though they admire the commodities on display they do not buy,” Birungi said.
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