Pakwach District, Uganda: Catholics in Nebbi Catholic Diocese and across the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province have been called upon to contribute towards the development of the historic Ganal Pilgrimage Site at Omach in Pakwach Catholic Parish.
The site is revered as the birthplace of Catholic evangelisation in northern Uganda, where the first missionaries established a foothold in 1910 after being received by local leader Chief Omach at Pakuba along the Albert Nile.
Despite harsh conditions and disease, the early missionaries laid the foundation for the spread of the Catholic faith across the region.
Every March, thousands of pilgrims gather at the sacred site to commemorate the origins of Christianity in the region.
The pilgrimage, now widely known as GANAL—an acronym for Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, Lira dioceses—has grown into a major spiritual event within the province.
During the 116th anniversary celebrations held on March 6, 2026, Sam Okaba, Head of Laity for Nebbi Diocese, urged believers to support the site’s development.
“Significant infrastructure is still needed at this sacred location. The contributions we raise during the pilgrimage are not yet sufficient. We must support the Diocese to develop this holy place into a worthy pilgrimage site,” Okaba said.
Church leaders envision transforming the Omach site into a fully developed spiritual centre, with plans to construct a shrine, catechist residence, multipurpose pastoral centre, and expanded grounds to accommodate large gatherings.
Catherine Akumu Mavenjina called for a structured development approach.
“Let us have a comprehensive work plan so that we can begin from there,” she said, urging political and community leaders to support the initiative.
Raphael P’Mony Wokorach emphasised the pilgrimage’s role in fostering unity, repentance, healing, and spiritual renewal among the faithful.
The event continues to attract pilgrims from across Uganda and neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Church leaders say developing the site will strengthen faith formation, preserve historical heritage, and deepen evangelisation for future generations.
The Ganal site is among Uganda’s key religious landmarks, alongside sites such as Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Rubaga Cathedral, and Namirembe Cathedral.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda has over 600 cultural and religious sites, with at least 56 requiring urgent conservation.
Church leaders have called on Catholics and well-wishers to contribute through prayer, donations, and partnerships to preserve the sacred site.
Okaba described the effort as a moral responsibility to honour the missionaries who introduced Christianity to the region.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
