national 3 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
2025 Uganda Martyrs' Day Pilgrimage: Report Highlights Record Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact
A recent report reveals that the 2025 Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations at Namugongo attracted over 813,000 visitors, generating an estimated Shs29.67 billion to Shs43.75 billion in visitor expenditure. The report provides detailed insights into pilgrim demographics, spending habits, and business operations during the event. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/martyrs-day-2025-pilgrim-report-revealed--5483130
The 2025 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo saw an impressive turnout, with a total of 813,945 individuals visiting the sacred site. This figure includes 125,697 visitors to the Protestant shrine, 563,940 to the Catholic shrine, and an additional 124,308 roadside visitors.
The economic impact of this significant gathering was substantial, with visitor expenditure estimated to be between Shs29.67 billion and Shs43.75 billion. This represents a notable increase from the Shs22.8 billion to Shs38.1 billion generated in 2024. The majority of this spending, approximately 46 percent, was on food and beverages, followed by transport at 24 percent, while accommodation accounted for only 6 percent.
According to the report by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, 84.4 percent of the pilgrims were Ugandan nationals, with the remaining 15.6 percent being foreign visitors. Tanzanians and Kenyans formed the largest contingent of international pilgrims, representing 29.8 percent and 29 percent respectively.
Demographically, the pilgrimage was predominantly male, with 62.5 percent of visitors identifying as male, compared to 37.5 percent female. The largest age group was between 35–44 years (29.4 percent), followed closely by the 25–34 age bracket (24.1 percent).
A significant majority, 91.8 percent, traveled for less than a week, with 53.1 percent making same-day trips. Trekking was a common mode of transport for 48.8 percent of pilgrims, while 28.2 percent used public transport. The planned duration of stay averaged 2.99 days, a marked increase from the previous year.
Religious pilgrimage (90 percent) and social experiences (55 percent) were the primary motivations for visiting Namugongo. The report also noted that 58.5 percent of attendees were repeat visitors, underscoring the enduring appeal of the event.
To enhance future celebrations, the report recommends improvements in sanitary facilities, cleanliness, and accessibility for persons with disabilities, ensuring a more comfortable and inclusive experience for all. The findings aim to guide future event planning and enhance visitor experiences.