Namugongo's hospitality industry is facing a challenging situation as the annual pilgrimage to the Martyrs shrines attracts a significant influx of visitors, leaving hotels with vacant rooms and missed economic growth opportunities.
WATCH VIDEO: A bird's-eye view as tens of thousands of Ugandan and international pilgrims go home after attending the annual June 3 Martyrs Day celebrations in Namugongo, Wakiso District.
The pilgrimage, which is a major religious event in Uganda, draws thousands of believers from across the country and beyond to pay their respects, seek blessings, and participate in religious ceremonies commemorating the lives of 45 Christian martyrs.
The Martyrs shrines in Namugongo are a significant tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors.
However, the hotel sector in the area has struggled to capitalize on this surge in visitors, with many pilgrims seeking alternative accommodations such as camping within the shrines' premises or staying with friends and relatives nearby.
Hotel owners and managers expressed their frustration as they witnessed pilgrims and tourists opting for different accommodation options.
"This situation not only affects the hotels' revenue but also deprives us of an opportunity to showcase our services and hospitality to a wider audience," said William Mugerwa, a manager at Prestige Hotel Mbalwa, located near the Catholic shrines.
By Thursday evening, several hotels, motels, lodges, and other accommodation spaces in the area had not received any bookings from pilgrims, and those that did reported lower-than-expected numbers.
The pilgrimage's impact on hotels has been less favorable compared to previous years, especially before the COVID-19 pandemic when establishments would be fully booked days in advance of the main celebrations.
The main challenge faced by hotels in Namugongo stems from several factors, some of which are beyond their control. Many local pilgrims choose to spend their nights within the shrines' vast compounds, resulting in limited economic activity for the hotels.
Additionally, the limited access routes to the shrines during the days leading up to June 3 create difficulties for pilgrims in reaching hotels, leading them to seek alternative accommodation options near the shrines.
Another contributing factor is the lack of high-end hotels in close proximity to the shrines.
The current accommodation facilities mostly cater to the regular market rather than the specific needs of pilgrims, leaving potential guests with no choice but to seek lodging further away from the shrines.
While some hotels have managed to attract international pilgrims who make prior bookings, there is a need for the church and tourism stakeholders to collaborate in creating official pilgrimages throughout the year.
This would allow pilgrims to spend more time in the area, supporting local businesses and generating foreign exchange.
To address these challenges, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors should work together with the government and religious institutions.
Efforts should be made to increase investment in infrastructure, including expanding accommodation options near Namugongo.
Providing tax incentives for hotel construction and improving transportation options would also encourage private investment and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the region.
By addressing these issues and fostering a supportive environment, Uganda can maximize the economic benefits of the Martyrs shrines while providing visitors with a comfortable and memorable experience.
