Kigumba, Uganda | A health emergency has tested the resilience of over 100 Lira Diocese foot pilgrims en route to Namugongo, after they were diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes during a stopover at Kigumba, five days into their pilgrimage.
The situation prompted swift action from a medical team from St. John XXIII Hospital – Aber, which had been deployed to monitor the health of the pilgrims.
The checkup revealed that many had not carried essential medications, while poor feeding had worsened conditions for those with diabetes.
Raymond Ongom, one of the attending medical officers, said the team supplied enough medication to stabilize the affected pilgrims for the next four to five days.
He noted that failure to manage chronic illnesses on long treks like this can be life-threatening without timely intervention.
Despite the setback, the pilgrims remain committed to completing the journey.
Goddy Akio, the pilgrims’ spokesperson, confirmed that all affected individuals had responded well to treatment and were in stable condition.
He thanked the hospital for its life-saving support, saying it restored hope and energy among the group.
The Lira Diocese pilgrims resumed their journey early today at midnight, determined to reach Namugongo ahead of the June 3rd Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
This development highlights the importance of integrating medical support into long spiritual treks, especially for elderly and chronically ill participants undertaking the rigorous pilgrimage to one of Uganda’s most sacred sites.
Lira Diocese News Agency