Ugandan Catholic pilgrims visiting the popular Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in the country’s central region have been warned not to drink from the so-called holy well.
According to church officials, the water can be used for other biblical purposes, such as making the sign of the cross, but it is not fit for consumption.
The secretary general of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, John Kauta, stated on Thursday that while faithful who collect the water claim spiritual healing, health experts have advised church leaders that the water is unclean and unsafe.
“Though the water in Namugongo is distilled, it is not safe to drink. This is also due to the fact that it originates in a variety of locations. People can take it and make signs out of it, but they should not drink it,” Mr. Kauta told the state-run New Vision website.
Due to the high demand for water, Mr. Kauta stated that the church will install more taps at the well in the future to facilitate access.
Pilgrims have begun to arrive at the Namugongo shrine in preparation for this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations in June.
The annual event honors the 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda.
