By KT Reporter
The Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, has sternly cautioned over 250 Catholic pilgrims travelling to Rome against carrying fetishes or engaging in superstitious practices, urging them to place their full trust in God.
During a special Holy Mass held at Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of Peace Cathedral in Kasana, Bishop Mukasa emphasized that the pilgrims must surrender completely to God and reject any form of witchcraft or charms meant for protection.
The bishop warned that superstition has no place in a sacred journey, noting, “You are not tourists; you are pilgrims going to encounter God.” He added that if anyone had carried charms or any items not aligned with Christian teachings, they should leave them behind.
The Mass served as the final prayer for the pilgrims—each of whom contributed over Shs7 million towards the trip—as they prepared to participate in Jubilee Year celebrations declared by the Holy Father, the late Pope Francis. Bishop Mukasa also reminded the faithful to carry warm clothing for the journey due to cold weather in Europe. One of the pilgrims, Moreen Kabacwezi from Kakooge Parish, praised the bishop’s guidance, especially in addressing the contradictory practices of some believers.
Bishop Mukasa has repeatedly raised alarm about the persistence of witchcraft in Kasana-Luwero Diocese. In January, he criticized some Catechists for secretly practicing witchcraft, which he said undermined their spiritual roles. He later announced the creation of a special chamber to store fetishes collected from believers and reappointed Rev. Fr. Augustine Mpagi as Diocesan Exorcist.
In past years, other leaders have echoed similar concerns. In 2023, Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere lamented the high number of shrines compared to churches in Kamira Catholic Parish, calling it a betrayal of Christian faith. Tragic events linked to superstition have also occurred. In October 2023, a pastor in Nakasongola collapsed and died during an exorcism, while police in Luwero have long identified witchcraft as a contributor to criminal cases like mob justice and murder.
Traditional herbalists in the region maintain they don’t prevent their clients from attending church, citing freedom of belief. After Mass, Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kizito Kimbowa, who is leading the delegation, briefed the pilgrims on logistical matters. They will travel to Italy aboard Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Preparations for the pilgrimage have spanned over ten months.
The pilgrims depart from Kasana-Luwero Diocesan headquarters on Saturday, July 5, 2025, headed to Entebbe International Airport. The journey is part of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, declared by Pope Francis and themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Holy Year focuses on forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal. It officially began on Christmas Eve 2024 and will conclude on January 6, 2026.
Bishop Mukasa opened the Jubilee Year in Kasana-Luwero on December 29, 2024, and the pilgrimage is a core activity aimed at strengthening the faith of local Catholics. As they embark on this historic journey to the heart of Catholicism, the pilgrims do so under a clear spiritual directive: Faith—not fetishes—will be their shield-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
