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Uganda🇺🇬 | festivalsUganda Martyrs DayNamugongo pilgrimage, 3 June Mass, martyrs’ shrines, walking crowds | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Uganda Martyrs Day
🌟 Highlightfestival ranked #6
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Uganda Martyrs Day suits pilgrims, church-curious backpackers and anyone who wants to stand inside a crowd of millions singing in Luganda, Swahili and English. If you need quiet, tidy logistics or a party, you may find it less rewarding. The celebration is held every 3 June at Namugongo, a short ride northeast of Kampala in Uganda’s central region. I arrived on foot with the pilgrim stream, and my first impression was a wall of sound: drums, hymns, and hawkers selling roasted maize over charcoal while walkers carried mats and jerrycans of water. Plan around the traps. Roads clog from the night before, so arrive a day early or walk the last stretch. Ride boda-bodas only with a price agreed first. Carry small bills, cover your shoulders and keep your phone zipped. Unlike the quieter Catholic shrine at Munyonyo, Namugongo draws crowds measured in the millions.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Uganda Travel Guide.
Safety warning

The current risk level for Uganda is high. Check the advice before going.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 festival in UgandaWhat makes this festival worth celebrating

Uganda Martyrs Day pulls backpackers in because it is one of the largest annual gatherings in Africa, and you can join it with no ticket and no wristband. The social energy is the draw. Pilgrims walk for days from as far as Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Congo, and they share food, floor space and stories with strangers who look interested. Say hello in Luganda and someone will hand you a boiled cassava to go with the conversation. The second reason is the context. Namugongo marks the place where 32 young men were executed in 1886 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, and the stories are told by people whose families still hold them. Both the Catholic and Anglican shrines sit within walking distance, so you see two traditions in one visit. It also slots into a wider Uganda loop, falling easily between … read more 👉
Uganda Martyrs Day pulls backpackers in because it is one of the largest annual gatherings in Africa, and you can join it with no ticket and no wristband. The social energy is the draw. Pilgrims walk for days from as far as Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Congo, and they share food, floor space and stories with strangers who look interested. Say hello in Luganda and someone will hand you a boiled cassava to go with the conversation. The second reason is the context. Namugongo marks the place where 32 young men were executed in 1886 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, and the stories are told by people whose families still hold them. Both the Catholic and Anglican shrines sit within walking distance, so you see two traditions in one visit. It also slots into a wider Uganda loop, falling easily between the Nile at Jinja and the gorillas in the southwest.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while celebrating the Uganda Martyrs Day

  1. Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine: The circular basilica was built over the spot where the martyrs were burned and is styled after a traditional Baganda hut. The main Mass on 3 June is held on the grounds, which hold vast crowds in the open air.
  2. Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine: A short walk away, this church honors the Anglican martyrs and holds its own large service. Visiting both gives a view of how Uganda’s two big traditions remember the same story.
  3. The Pilgrim Walk: Many people trek to Namugongo from across Uganda and neighboring countries. Join the final kilometers and you pass singing groups, camps and roadside food stalls that give the day its character.
  4. Martyrs’ Lake and Baptism Pool: The man-made lake near the Catholic shrine is where pilgrims collect water they believe is blessed. It is a quieter
… read more 👉
  1. Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine: The circular basilica was built over the spot where the martyrs were burned and is styled after a traditional Baganda hut. The main Mass on 3 June is held on the grounds, which hold vast crowds in the open air.
  2. Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine: A short walk away, this church honors the Anglican martyrs and holds its own large service. Visiting both gives a view of how Uganda’s two big traditions remember the same story.
  3. The Pilgrim Walk: Many people trek to Namugongo from across Uganda and neighboring countries. Join the final kilometers and you pass singing groups, camps and roadside food stalls that give the day its character.
  4. Martyrs’ Lake and Baptism Pool: The man-made lake near the Catholic shrine is where pilgrims collect water they believe is blessed. It is a quieter spot to sit out the heat and watch families gather.
  5. Underground Museum: Beneath the Catholic shrine, a small museum displays the martyrs’ story, with objects and images showing the events of 1886 and the church history that followed.
Start with the Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine, because the central ceremony and the biggest crowds are there, and the rest of the site is easier to explore once you have found your bearings.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

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🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Uganda Martyrs Day?

Uganda Martyrs Day is held every year on June 3, a single-day public holiday, at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines in Namugongo, about 12 km northeast of central Kampala, with pilgrims arriving days earlier.
  • Best day: June 3 itself, when the Mass at the Catholic shrine starts in the morning and the crowd peaks. The Anglican shrine next door holds its own service, so you can see both.
  • Weather: Expect 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), with a real chance of rain, since June is the tail of the wetter period. Bring a poncho, a hat, sun cream and shoes that tolerate mud.
  • Booking: Entry is free, but reserve a bed in Kampala at least a month ahead. Rates in Namugongo itself can double or more.
  • Crowds and roads: Millions of pilgrims converge on the shrines, so the Kampala to Namugongo road clogs from the evening of
… read more 👉
Uganda Martyrs Day is held every year on June 3, a single-day public holiday, at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines in Namugongo, about 12 km northeast of central Kampala, with pilgrims arriving days earlier.
  • Best day: June 3 itself, when the Mass at the Catholic shrine starts in the morning and the crowd peaks. The Anglican shrine next door holds its own service, so you can see both.
  • Weather: Expect 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), with a real chance of rain, since June is the tail of the wetter period. Bring a poncho, a hat, sun cream and shoes that tolerate mud.
  • Booking: Entry is free, but reserve a bed in Kampala at least a month ahead. Rates in Namugongo itself can double or more.
  • Crowds and roads: Millions of pilgrims converge on the shrines, so the Kampala to Namugongo road clogs from the evening of June 2. Arrive before dawn or the day before, and leave after the afternoon surge.
Sleep within walking distance on the night of June 2 and you skip the worst of the traffic.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Kampala is the best base for Uganda Martyrs Day, with Namugongo itself an option if you want to be among the pilgrims.

Kampala’s Kabalagala and Muyenga areas hold the largest cluster of backpacker dorms, guesthouses and bars, and they are where solo travelers swap rides to the shrines. Both are lively at night and well served by boda-bodas and ride-hailing apps. Choose a place with secure lockers and arrange transport before dark.

Najjera and Kira, on the northeastern side of the city, put you much closer to Namugongo. They are quieter and mostly offer simple guesthouses and small hotels, so … read more 👉
Kampala is the best base for Uganda Martyrs Day, with Namugongo itself an option if you want to be among the pilgrims.

Kampala’s Kabalagala and Muyenga areas hold the largest cluster of backpacker dorms, guesthouses and bars, and they are where solo travelers swap rides to the shrines. Both are lively at night and well served by boda-bodas and ride-hailing apps. Choose a place with secure lockers and arrange transport before dark.

Najjera and Kira, on the northeastern side of the city, put you much closer to Namugongo. They are quieter and mostly offer simple guesthouses and small hotels, so they suit people who want a shorter, less chaotic trip on the morning of June 3. Social life is thinner, but you will meet pilgrims and local families who often share food and directions.

Namugongo has church-run hostels and guesthouses, and many pilgrims camp or sleep in the open. They fill up months ahead and are basic, but this is the most atmospheric way to do it. Women traveling alone may prefer a guesthouse over camping.

Whatever you pick, book early. Beds anywhere near the route vanish quickly in the final weeks of May.
Best hostels in Uganda


Best quality hotels in Uganda

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Uganda Martyrs Day costs most backpackers about US$21 to 58 a day, with entry free and the bed taking the biggest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0Attendance at the Namugongo shrines is free, though donations at Mass are common.
AccommodationUS$10 to 30 (dorm or basic guesthouse)Kampala dorms run US$10 to 15, while rooms near Namugongo reach US$25 to 45 around June 3. Church camping is cheaper but basic.
Local transportUS$3 to 10A boda-boda from Kampala costs roughly US$2 to 5 each way, with surge pricing during the festival. Minibus taxis cost under US$1 but crawl in traffic.
Food & drinksUS$5 to 10A rolex costs about US$0.50 to 1, and a plate of matoke with sauce US$2 to 4.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8Rain poncho, sunscreen, water, a small donation and a few snacks.
… read more 👉
Uganda Martyrs Day costs most backpackers about US$21 to 58 a day, with entry free and the bed taking the biggest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0Attendance at the Namugongo shrines is free, though donations at Mass are common.
AccommodationUS$10 to 30 (dorm or basic guesthouse)Kampala dorms run US$10 to 15, while rooms near Namugongo reach US$25 to 45 around June 3. Church camping is cheaper but basic.
Local transportUS$3 to 10A boda-boda from Kampala costs roughly US$2 to 5 each way, with surge pricing during the festival. Minibus taxis cost under US$1 but crawl in traffic.
Food & drinksUS$5 to 10A rolex costs about US$0.50 to 1, and a plate of matoke with sauce US$2 to 4.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8Rain poncho, sunscreen, water, a small donation and a few snacks.
Total Daily BudgetUS$21 to 58About US$40 is realistic with a mid-range bed.


source: visituganda.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

Food at Uganda Martyrs Day is pilgrim fare, served from hundreds of roadside and field stalls around the Namugongo shrines.

The smell of charcoal tells you where to go. Look for rolex (a chapati rolled around a fried egg and vegetables), grilled chicken and goat skewers (muchomo), and roasted maize and cassava. Heartier plates of matoke with groundnut sauce, beans or beef appear at bigger stalls, usually with posho or rice. Many pilgrims travel on foot, so food is practical and filling rather than fancy.

For drinks, you will find bottled water, sodas, fresh juices and sugarcane juice. Hot milk tea is a good early-morning warmer. Alcohol is far less visible than at regular Ugandan celebrations, and it is better to follow the mood.

Carry small cash in Ugandan shillings, as stalls rarely take … read more 👉
Food at Uganda Martyrs Day is pilgrim fare, served from hundreds of roadside and field stalls around the Namugongo shrines.

The smell of charcoal tells you where to go. Look for rolex (a chapati rolled around a fried egg and vegetables), grilled chicken and goat skewers (muchomo), and roasted maize and cassava. Heartier plates of matoke with groundnut sauce, beans or beef appear at bigger stalls, usually with posho or rice. Many pilgrims travel on foot, so food is practical and filling rather than fancy.

For drinks, you will find bottled water, sodas, fresh juices and sugarcane juice. Hot milk tea is a good early-morning warmer. Alcohol is far less visible than at regular Ugandan celebrations, and it is better to follow the mood.

Carry small cash in Ugandan shillings, as stalls rarely take cards and change for large notes runs out. Mobile money is common, but a foreign SIM may not work with it. Expect long lines at popular grills, and prices rise as the crowd peaks, so ask before ordering. Portions are generous and often shared among families, so you can join in and order a plate between two. Eat before the main Mass if you want a quiet bite.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Uganda Martyrs Day

Uganda Martyrs Day takes place every year on June 3, a public holiday in Uganda. The main event is at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, about 12 km northeast of Kampala. Many pilgrims walk for days beforehand, some from as far as Tanzania and Kenya.
Attending Uganda Martyrs Day costs nothing at the gate, so your main expenses are travel and a bed. Budget about US$30 to 55 a day, including a Kampala dorm at US$10 to 15, a boda-boda ride at US$2 to 5 each way and food at US$5 to 10. Rooms near Namugongo can double in price around June 3.
Uganda Martyrs Day does not need tickets, as entry to the Namugongo shrines and the open-air Masses is free. What you do need in advance is a bed, ideally booked a month or more ahead, since Kampala and Namugongo fill up. Arrive before dawn on June 3 or the day before, because the roads from Kampala jam up badly.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ugandan festivals near Uganda Martyrs Day

Explore more nearby:

  • Rolex Festival—Chapati cook-off, rolex variations, boda rider vendors, kadongo kamu| 9 km away
  • Pearl Rhythm Festival—Afro-pop singalongs, dance circles, charcoal street food, Kampala after-parties| 9 km away
  • Kampala Fashion Week—Runway nights, bark cloth tailoring, young labels, pop-up stalls| 9 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Uganda Martyrs Day works best as a one-day anchor in a loop that also takes in Kampala’s markets and Kabaka’s sites, then the Nile at Jinja. I would arrive the evening before, sleep in the capital, and leave on the second morning, once the crowds have thinned and the roads have cleared.

✈️ When did I visit Uganda?
In September 2019 I have done a backpacking trip through Uganda. Seeing gorillas in the wild from up close was a pure unexpected highlight!

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Uganda, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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