By Jumah Kakomo
The St Jude Shrine in Naguru, Kampala, is seeking greater recognition as a religious tourism destination, with the potential to attract pilgrims and tourists while creating economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye, the parish priest of Our Lady and St Jude Parish, Naguru, and director of devotion in Uganda, has highlighted the shrine’s spiritual and architectural significance, calling for deliberate efforts to promote it as one of the country’s important religious sites.
The appeal comes as the parish prepares for its annual nine-day novena ahead of the Feast of St Jude Thaddeus, celebrated on October 28.
Fr Bbuye’s remarks followed discussions on promoting religious tourism in Uganda, with reference to established religious sites such as the Catholic Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, the Anglican Martyrs Shrine and the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine.
The discussions highlighted the need for the government, particularly the ministry responsible for tourism, to explore opportunities for developing and promoting St Jude Shrine as a recognised religious tourism centre.
Proponents argue that collaboration between the government and the Catholic Church could raise the shrine’s profile, attract more visitors and strengthen Uganda’s religious tourism sector.
The building of St Jude Shrine in Naguru under construction.
“The shrine is unique, and many people would like to visit and experience its beauty, the devotion of the faithful, and the atmosphere of prayer,” the appeal stated.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the shrine could contribute to Naguru’s economic development by creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting livelihoods and increasing commercial activity in the surrounding area.
Although Naguru is widely associated with major institutions, including police headquarters, proponents say the area also deserves greater recognition for its religious heritage and the presence of the St Jude Shrine.
Catholics and other Christians can pray to St Jude Thaddeus in their respective churches and communities, but visiting the shrine provides pilgrims with an opportunity to gather for collective prayer and devotion. Worshippers from different dioceses reportedly travel to Naguru to participate in these spiritual activities.
St Jude Thaddeus is widely venerated in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of desperate and difficult cases. His devotion attracts believers seeking spiritual encouragement, hope and intercession.
Meanwhile, the parish is preparing to hold its annual nine-day novena from October 19 to 27, 2026, ahead of the feast day on October 28.
Rita Ochiba, the parish’s lead social communicator, has called on Christians and other people of faith to participate in the novena, describing it as an opportunity for prayer, spiritual renewal and the strengthening of faith.
The programme will feature different speakers, including members of the clergy and other ministers of the Word, who will deliver spiritual messages throughout the nine days.
According to Ochiba, an overnight prayer session is scheduled for the night of October 27, ahead of the feast day celebrations the following day.
The annual gathering is expected to bring together worshippers for prayer, reflection and the sharing of testimonies relating to their devotion to St Jude Thaddeus.
Ochiba also highlighted the role of the Maiden Magazine, an annual publication prepared specifically for the October novena leading up to the Feast of St Jude Thaddeus.
She explained that the publication is dedicated to this particular annual novena rather than every novena held at the parish.
This year’s edition is expected to feature spiritual reflections, testimonies and accounts from people who attribute answered prayers and other blessings to the intercession of St Jude Thaddeus.
It will also carry messages from Church leaders, including the Archbishop, the national director and other ecclesiastical representatives. Messages from several ecclesiastical provinces, including Mbarara, Kampala and Gulu, are also expected to feature.
Ochiba said the magazine is intended to guide Christians through the liturgical celebrations while documenting the history and development of devotion to the saint.
The publication is expected to contain close to 100 pages, including photographs illustrating the growth and history of the devotion.
It will be sold at Shs 5,000, a price Ochiba described as affordable to Christians.
