EVERY year, June 3, the Martyrs’ Day, presents a windfall for residents of Namugongo, Kyaliwajala and other neighbouring areas. <b>JEFF LULE</b> talked to some of the residents about their expectation from this year’s celebrations.
Vision Reporter
Journalist @ New vision
EVERY year, June 3, the Martyrs’ Day, presents a windfall for residents of Namugongo, Kyaliwajala and other neighbouring areas. JEFF LULE talked to some of the residents about their expectation from this year’s celebrations.
EVERY year, June 3, the Martyrs’ Day, presents a windfall for residents of Namugongo, Kyaliwajala and other neighbouring areas. JEFF LULE talked to some of the residents about their expectation from this year’s celebrations.
John Sekabira, director of
Namugongo Model Primary School
Although the day comes with many opportunities for people in the area, it also inconveniences them. Schools rent out classrooms to pilgrims for shelter since many cannot afford hotels.
But since we have no public toilets, many ease themselves in bushes, which is dangerous to our health. We ask the Government to address this problem to protect the residents.
Asuman Katende, 26, bodaboda cyclist
The Martyrs’ Day inconveniences us. Our colleagues from other areas come to do business here. It becomes hard for us to work effectively. Secondly, some of the major roads are closed by the Police, forcing pilgrims to use taxis to avoid inconveniences.
Costani Kajubwa, 38, farmer
The Martyrs’ Day makes wonders for me because I am able to sell foodstuffs like cassava and vegetables. During this time, I get more orders from my customers compared to other days. The demand for foodstuffs by the pilgrims is high because many cook for themselves. I usually make sh150,000 in two days, but I can now raise sh400,000 a day.
Nalongo Budala, 47, market vendor
We get many customers when pilgrims come. Some buy raw food and prepare it themselves. During this time, I can make about sh400,000 a day, compared to the sh100,000 I usually make a day.
Christine Nakate, 29, dealer in
rosaries and necklaces
I sell these products every Sunday at the shrine and I make about sh80,000. However, during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, I can make over sh200,000 a day. Foreigners like these products.
Ibrahim Nsumba, 30, parking attendant
This day benefits everyone, irrespective of their religion. We, who are employed in the transport sector, are in big business. During such days, I charge sh5,000 for parking. Some of my friends rent out their rooms to pilgrims at sh15,000 a night.
Lauben Musinguzi 19, vendor
I sell biscuits, sweets and chapattis. My profits double during these days.
Gonzaga Ayebare, restaurant owner
Food is on high demand. I get about 20 customers on a normal day, but the number has shot up to 90.
Sarah Namuli, airtime seller
I sell phone accessories and airtime, but the number of customers has already doubled. Some people bring their phones to be charged, but I am forced to take them home because they are many. Generally, we, the residents, benefit a lot.
Dr. Gilbert Ojok, 32, clinic owner
We get many patients during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations. We normally get 10 to 15 patients, but ever since the pilgrims started arriving, the number has risen to over 20 a day. I think some fall sick after walking long distances.
Geoffrey Senono, 32, special hire driver
We are the biggest losers on Martyrs’ Day. The Police is about to chase us from our areas of operation. We are not allowed to park here during the celebrations. Since most roads will be closed, we shall not work for three days.
Steven Aliwuya, 22, fuel pump attendant
Customers have increased since pilgrims started arriving. We normally get about 20 to 30 customers a day, but the number has risen to over 60.
John Sekabira, director of
Namugongo Model Primary School
Although the day comes with many opportunities for people in the area, it also inconveniences them. Schools rent out classrooms to pilgrims for shelter since many cannot afford hotels.
But since we have no public toilets, many ease themselves in bushes, which is dangerous to our health. We ask the Government to address this problem to protect the residents.
Asuman Katende, 26, bodaboda cyclist
The Martyrs’ Day inconveniences us. Our colleagues from other areas come to do business here. It becomes hard for us to work effectively. Secondly, some of the major roads are closed by the Police, forcing pilgrims to use taxis to avoid inconveniences.
Costani Kajubwa, 38, farmer
The Martyrs’ Day makes wonders for me because I am able to sell foodstuffs like cassava and vegetables. During this time, I get more orders from my customers compared to other days. The demand for foodstuffs by the pilgrims is high because many cook for themselves. I usually make sh150,000 in two days, but I can now raise sh400,000 a day.
Nalongo Budala, 47, market vendor
We get many customers when pilgrims come. Some buy raw food and prepare it themselves. During this time, I can make about sh400,000 a day, compared to the sh100,000 I usually make a day.
Christine Nakate, 29, dealer in
rosaries and necklaces
I sell these products every Sunday at the shrine and I make about sh80,000. However, during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, I can make over sh200,000 a day. Foreigners like these products.
Ibrahim Nsumba, 30, parking attendant
This day benefits everyone, irrespective of their religion. We, who are employed in the transport sector, are in big business. During such days, I charge sh5,000 for parking. Some of my friends rent out their rooms to pilgrims at sh15,000 a night.
Lauben Musinguzi 19, vendor
I sell biscuits, sweets and chapattis. My profits double during these days.
Gonzaga Ayebare, restaurant owner
Food is on high demand. I get about 20 customers on a normal day, but the number has shot up to 90.
Sarah Namuli, airtime seller
I sell phone accessories and airtime, but the number of customers has already doubled. Some people bring their phones to be charged, but I am forced to take them home because they are many. Generally, we, the residents, benefit a lot.
Dr. Gilbert Ojok, 32, clinic owner
We get many patients during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations. We normally get 10 to 15 patients, but ever since the pilgrims started arriving, the number has risen to over 20 a day. I think some fall sick after walking long distances.
Geoffrey Senono, 32, special hire driver
We are the biggest losers on Martyrs’ Day. The Police is about to chase us from our areas of operation. We are not allowed to park here during the celebrations. Since most roads will be closed, we shall not work for three days.
Steven Aliwuya, 22, fuel pump attendant
Customers have increased since pilgrims started arriving. We normally get about 20 to 30 customers a day, but the number has risen to over 60.