Paimol Archives - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

By Aruca Dickens, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

The number of foot pilgrims from Lira Diocese travelling to Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Agago District has risen from about 300 at departure to more than 800, as Christians prepare to commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa on October 20, 2026.

The pilgrims are expected to arrive at the shrine between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm today, October 19, ahead of the annual commemoration honouring the two young catechists who were killed for their Christian faith.

The development was confirmed by Mr. Goddy Akio, the publicity secretary for Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, during an update to Radio Wa on Monday morning.

Akio said the pilgrims arrived at Kalongo Catholic Parish on Sunday, where they celebrated Holy Mass and participated in general cleaning activities around the parish before continuing their spiritual journey.

UPDF Soldiers Join Pilgrims on Their Journey

The pilgrimage received a boost on Monday morning when 16 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers from Acolpii Army Barracks joined the group to escort them from Kokil Sub-county to Wipolo, covering a distance of approximately eight kilometres.

Akio said the soldiers’ participation brought excitement among the pilgrims as they continued towards Paimol Martyrs Shrine for the commemoration.

The pilgrims are expected to complete the final leg of their journey and reach the shrine between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Growing Numbers Reflect Pilgrims’ Commitment

Alfred Okello, the senior adviser to Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, said participation had increased significantly since the group set off, growing from approximately 300 pilgrims to more than 800.

Okello described the increase as a sign of growing faith and commitment among Christians taking part in the annual pilgrimage.

He also expressed gratitude for what he described as blessings experienced along the journey, noting that several areas traversed by the pilgrims had received rainfall since their departure, including places that had previously experienced dry conditions.

Okello further commended Christians from different parishes for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the pilgrims along the route, saying their support had encouraged the group throughout the journey.

Honouring the Paimol Martyrs

The annual pilgrimage brings together Christians seeking to honour Saints Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, two young catechists remembered for their commitment to spreading the Gospel despite persecution.

Their witness remains an important part of the Catholic faith in Uganda, inspiring Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and service to the Church.

The arrival of the Lira Diocese pilgrims at Paimol is expected to precede the October 20 commemoration of the two martyrs at the shrine in Agago District.

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By Dickens Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

More than 300 foot pilgrims from Lira Diocese have embarked on their annual pilgrimage to the Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Agago District ahead of the October 20, 2026, commemoration of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa.

Goddy Akio, the Publicity Secretary for Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, confirmed that the first groups had set off for the shrine, with additional pilgrims expected to join the journey.

Akio said the initial groups came from Aputi Parish in Amolatar District, Agweng Parish in Lira District, Te-Boke Parish in Apac District and Aber Parish in Oyam District.

Lira Diocese expects more than 700 foot pilgrims to participate in this year’s commemoration, which honours Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, two young catechists who were killed at Paimol more than a century ago because of their Christian faith.

The two martyrs are remembered for their commitment to spreading the Gospel despite persecution, and their witness continues to inspire Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.

Pilgrims Urged to Observe Safety Precautions

As the pilgrimage gets underway, organisers have urged pilgrims to prioritise their safety amid reports of marauding elephants and other wildlife in parts of the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

Akio said pilgrims would undertake their journeys during daylight hours following reports of elephant movements from Kidepo Valley National Park in the areas of Lukole and Lapono sub-counties, where two people were reportedly killed in elephant attacks.

He explained that restricting the journeys to daylight hours was intended to minimise the risks associated with the reported wildlife movements along the pilgrimage routes.

Akio also appealed to transport operators to provide well-maintained vehicles for pilgrims travelling to the shrine, emphasising the need to prevent road accidents during the annual commemoration.

The safety precautions come as pilgrims from different parts of Lira Diocese make their way to Paimol for the annual celebration.

Archdiocese of Gulu Deanery to Animate Celebration

This year’s commemoration is expected to be animated by the Holy Rosary Deanery under the Archdiocese of Gulu, with the Bishop of Arua Diocese expected to preside as the main celebrant.

The annual pilgrimage brings together Christians from across northern Uganda to honour the legacy of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, whose sacrifice remains an enduring example of faith, courage and commitment to the Gospel.

For the pilgrims, the journey is not merely a physical undertaking but also an opportunity for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal as they make their way to the shrine of the two young catechists.

Lira Diocese anticipates more than 700 foot pilgrims at this year’s commemoration on October 20, as Christians gather to celebrate the lives and witness of the two martyrs.

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Salvation of the whole person; body, soul and mind.“ I have come so that they may life and have it to the full” (John. 10:10b)

Tag Archives: Paimol

Lira Diocese Paimol Pilgrims Grow to Over 800 as Martyrs’ Commemoration Nears

Over 300 Lira Diocese Pilgrims Set Off for Paimol Martyrs Shrine