The Katoosa Martyrs Shrine in Kyenjojo District is a leading spiritual destination within the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese. Dedicated to St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa Ludigo (one of the Uganda Martyrs) who was born in the area, it features towering consecrated rocks, a modern parish church, and attracts thousands of devoted pilgrims annually.

History and Significance

• Patron Saint: The shrine honors St. Adolf Ludigo Abwooli, a native of the Katoosa area who was martyred for his Christian faith under Kabaka Mwanga II. He is the patron saint of farmers and herdsmen.
• The Consecrated Rocks: The shrine’s focal point is a unique cluster of more than 20 massive, naturally leaning rocks. Each rock bears the engraved name, age, and martyrdom details of one of the Uganda Martyrs.
• Site Origins: Before Christianity, traditionalists used the area for rituals. Following the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, the Fort Portal Diocese purchased and sanctified the land to promote devotion to St. Adolf.

The Annual Pilgrimage

• Date: The official diocesan pilgrimage takes place on January 27 of every year.
• The Trek: The journey typically begins at Bukwali Parish in Fort Portal and involves a day-and-night trek through Tooro’s rolling hills before culminating at the shrine.
• Provincial Involvement: The celebrations are animated by various parishes on a rotational basis and are well-attended by pilgrims from across the five dioceses of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, including faithful traveling from Tanzania, Rwanda, and the DRC.
• Location: The Katoosa Catholic Shrine is easily accessible, located in Katoosa Parish, Kyenjojo District, just a few kilometers off the main Kyenjojo-Kampala Highway.
• Spiritual Retreat: Beyond the main January 27th festivities, visitors and pilgrims visit throughout the year to pray at the marked rocks, reflect at the metallic cross erected on the highest boulder, and offer personal petitions.
• Facilities: The government and local diocese have begun developments to elevate the shrine into a major religious tourism hub, upgrading accommodations and facilities for visiting devotees.

To participate in the pilgrimage or plan a spiritual visit, you can follow updates through the official Pages Catholic Diocese Of Fort portal or tune into broadcasts from Jubilee Radio Uganda.