Ministry of tourism plans development of Iceme Marian shrine

4 May 2025, 12:00 pm

By Eman Yonah oruk

The Ministry of Trade and Tourism has announced plans to develop the Iceme Marian Shrine under the Lira Catholic Diocese.

The State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugara, revealed the plan to the congregation during the celebration of the Marian Shrine on 3rd May 2025 at Iceme Catholic Parish in Oyam district. The event attracted pilgrims from the dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, and Lira under GANAL.

On the other hand, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, the Oyam North area Member of Parliament, thanked Gulu Archdiocese for honouring this year’s celebration. She also highlighted that Oyam district has five cultural and historical sites, including Iceme Catholic Shrine, the Abok Massacre Site in Oyam North, and three sites in Oyam South. These include the palace of the first Paramount Chief of Lango in Acuta Nena village, Ocini Parish, Kamdini sub county; Atura Landing Site in Atura parish, Aber sub county; and Adag Lango in Akuridida village, Juma parish, Kamdini sub county. She emphasised the need for these sites to be developed.

Archbishop Raphael Wokirach of Gulu Archdiocese expressed his appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Trade and Tourism for accepting their invitation through Oyam North MP Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku. He also praised her initiative in highlighting the government’s vision to develop various historical sites in the country, stressing the importance of Iceme Shrine for the people of the region.

In his speech, Bishop Santis Linos Wanik of Lira Catholic Diocese expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government for its efforts in sending the ministry to Iceme. He also assured them of collaboration in making the development a success.

Emmanuel Otim, speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Laity of Lira Diocese, noted that government representatives should use the pilgrimage as an opportunity to tour other sub-regions, observe historical sites, and make meaningful comparisons.

Martin Abila, one of the pilgrims from Iceme, welcomed the development, stating that with the Ministry of Tourism stepping in, he hopes Iceme will develop like Namugongo, strengthening Christmas faith and serving as a centre for spiritual reflection and problem-solving.